Women cricket team reach semis

CRICKET DAISY 18 yrs Daisy Wairimu practice in Nakuru on 25th February, 2015. She has scooped six gold medals and three highly coveted trophies in the Cricket world. PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU

The women’s national cricket team bounced back from the six-wicket loss to hosts United Arab Emirates to beat Malaysia by 38 runs in the International Women’s Twenty20 Cup in Sharjah.

The victory, a second for the Kenyan girls saw them book a semi-finals clash with neighbours Uganda.

Kenya had bowled out Qatar by 72 runs to win their tournament opener. Team skipper Daisy Wairimu was voted player of the match for a second time having been feted in the duel against Qatar.

Wairimu was impressive and took three wickets as she claimed the scalps of Malaysia’s Christina Baret, Emiliya Rahim and Mahirah Izzati Ismael.

Batting first, Kenya posted 107 runs for four with Margaret Banja top-scoring with 42 which included four boundaries, to steer Kenya to the last four.

Wairimu starred for Kenya with both ball and bat emerging second runs scorer with 27 off 25. First stand wicket of Mary Wambui and Queentor Aoko set Kenya’s campaign on a positive note before Wambui was caught by Zumika Azmi off Nur Aishah with the scores at 19/1.

Banja came in and before she could form a strong partnership, Aoko was bowled by Janadiah Natasya with the scores 21 in 4.3 overs.

Sharon Juma came in but she was soon caught by Aishah off Janadiah.

The partnership of Banja and Wairimu stood the test of time and helped push the scores to 108.