Melvin Khagoitsa fell agonizingly short of her maiden century as Kenya raced to an impressive 135-run win over Botswana on Matchday 3 of the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 qualifier in Kigali.
Kenya, who were asked to bat first, scored 170 for 3. In reply, Botswana hobbled their way to 35 in 15.1 overs. This was Kenya’s second-largest win margin of the tournament, following Matchday one’s emphatic 214-run victory over Lesotho.
Khagoitsa, who walked onto the crease in the second over following Kreeshna Mehta’s early dismissal, smashed 17 fours and one maximum on her way to a swashbuckling unbeaten 98 off 59 deliveries.
The Kenyan captain dominated the innings, turning everyone at Gahanga 1 cricket ground, including Botswana’s fielders and her batting partners, into spectators as she smashed Botswana’s bowling attack to all areas.
There were some brutal bowling figures from Botswana, with Oratile Tsimako going for 18 off her sole over, including three boundaries. Kenya capped a fantastic day at the office, dismissing the Southern African side for 35 runs with 29 deliveries to spare in the second innings. Four of Botswana’s batters did not trouble the scorers.
The win further solidifies Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the next round.
Sierra Leone vs Eswatini:
Magnificent bowling from Sierra Leone’s bowlers handed the West Africans their first tournament win on Matchday 3. Off break spinner Emma Kamara led the assault with 3 for 11 in her four overs to propel her side to a resounding nine-wicket victory against Eswatini.
Captain Alice Fillie and Mariama Jalloh also weighed in with two wickets each to dismiss the opposition for a paltry 33 with four overs to spare. In reply, Sierra Leone chased down the score in three overs, losing one wicket.
The win is a relief for the West Africans, who came agonizingly close to upsetting pre-tournament favourites Kenya on Matchday 2. On the other hand, Eswatini is still chasing its first win after losing to Malawi, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone.
Malawi vs Botswana:
Left-arm quick Evah Kabwere took three key wickets while Mercy Kudimba blasted an undefeated half-century as Malawi moved to the brink of securing their slot at next month’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 qualifier in Kigali, following a commanding 103-run rout of Botswana on Matchday 3.
Chasing 156 for victory, Botswana, who had suffered a heavy 135-run defeat against Kenya earlier in the day, lost three of their top four batters to Kabwere who removed Tlhalefos Godisamang (01), Captain Amanttle Letub (02) and Aliya Motorolwa for ducks.
Kabwere finished with impressive bowling figures of 3-14 from her four overs. Lucy Malino and Sophina Chinawa also weighed in with two wickets each to maintain their winning streak in the tournament.
In the first innings, Kudimba plundered 13 fours as she put on a batting masterclass. She scored an imperious unbeaten 88 off 56 deliveries to guide Malawi to a decent score of 155 for 5.
In Botswana’s run chase, Lesego Koogile was the only batter to reach double figures (11 not out). Back-to-back defeats on Matchday 3 mean that Mozambique, who edged Lesotho, leapfrog Botswana into third place on net run rate.
Mozambique vs Lesotho:
Mozambique scrapped to a 22-run victory over Lesotho to secure their second tournament win and leapfrog Botswana into third place on the points table.
Having won the toss, Mozambique opted to bat first but found scoring tough. They laboured to 42 runs off the bat, with the rest (31) coming off extras from the fielding side. Mozambique captain Amelia Lucas Mu Dodo was the only batter to reach double figures (11) in a lacklustre batting display from both teams.
Lintle Mohloai led Lesotho’s assault with the ball after taking 3 for 12 in her four overs. In the run chase, Lesotho were bowled out for 51 with four deliveries to spare.
Leonor Virgelino Mandhate (3 for 10), Yudney Da Kley Martinho Murrure (2 for 3) and Amelia Lucas Mu dodo (2 for 8) picked seven of the wickets to seal victory for Mozambique. Lesotho are still hunting for their first tournament points after three defeats on the trot.
Match Summaries:
Botswana Vs Kenya:
Kenya U19: 170/3 (20 overs)
Botswana U19: 35/10 (15.1 overs)
Kenya won by 135 runs
Sierra Leone Vs Eswatini:
Eswatini U19: 33/10 (16 overs)
Sierra Leone U19: 34/1 (2.4 overs)
Sierra Leone won by 9 wickets
Malawi Vs Botswana:
Malawi U19: 155/5 (20 overs)
Botswana U19: 52/10 (18.2 overs)
Malawi won by 103 runs
Mozambique Vs Lesotho:
Mozambique U19: 73/10 (19 overs)
Lesotho U19: 51/10 (19.2 overs)
Mozambique won by 22 runs
Sunday, 25th August, is a rest day.
Match Day 4 Fixtures: Monday 26th August
9.30am – Malawi Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 1
9.30am – Eswatini Vs Botswana at Gahanga 2
1.50pm – Mozambique Vs Kenya at Gahanga 1
1.50pm – Sierra Leone Vs Lesotho at Gahanga 2
Courtesy Photos
