Both Kenya and Rwanda women’s cricket sides will look to recover from opening-day defeats when the two meet today at the ongoing Victoria Series.
Day 1: Game 1
Yesterday at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, Kenya lost by 15 runs to tournament favourites UAE while Rwanda were overpowered in a 7 wickets loss to hosts Uganda.
Kenya captained by Sharon Juma opted to bowl after winning the toss, and comfortably so, had UAE humbled especially with their fielding.
The East Africans had five of their nine dismissals come from their fielders’ efforts, with three being catches and two run-outs.
They in that regard restricted the Arabs to only 84 runs, and from their tempo, seemed like they could fetch the score; but, UAE had different ideas.
When the Kenyans got into batting, UAE had them learn a thing or two about fielding. While only two wickets were picked inside power play, no boundary followed Juma’s 4 in the 3rd Over until the 15th Over.
Even though both the skipper and Vanessa Ooko proved hard hitters, they couldn’t get past UAE’s long and deep fielders.
In the end, Kenya’s efforts in the first innings counted for nothing as UAE defended their paltry score.
Day 1: Game 2
In the afternoon game, Rwanda were just a no-match for the hosts! After sending Uganda into bowling first, Rwanda couldn’t keep up with the Victoria Pearls’ bowling attack!
Uganda’s captain Consy Aweko and opening bowling Irene Alumo both with two wickets headlined an attack that restricted the Rwandese to just 61 runs.
Belise Murekatete notched the first and only six thus far in the tournament, but she could only put on board 8 runs. Only Clarisse Umutoniwase (11) and Gisele Ishimwe (20) posted double figures for Rwanda.
The defense started so well for Rwanda, with Uganda’s ruthless and opening batter Proscovia Alako heading back to the dugout with her first ball.
Her fellow opener, wicketkeeper Kevin Awino followed suit in the fourth Over, but Janet Mbabazi and Immaculate Nakisuyi who came after the dismissal of Stephanie Nampiina saw out the game.
Uganda will return to action on Thursday, but both Kenya and Rwanda will seek redemption today.
The UAE on the other hand will look to continue with their perfect start when they meet Tanzania this morning in what will be Tanzania’s first game at the Victoria Series.
By: Rose Agwang
