In the third-place playoff game of the 2nd edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, we’ll see Nigeria and Kenya locking horns at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali. The proceedings are set to commence at 01:15 PM (IST) Indian Standard Time.
Both teams will look to end the campaign on a high by putting their ‘A’ game into the picture. It’s been a tournament full of learnings and experiences, finishing on the 3rd place would give either dugouts confidence in the upcoming tournaments.
Squads:
Nigeria – Blessing Etim (c), Favour Eseigbe, Rukayat Abdulrasak, Adeshola Adekunle, Peculiar Agboya, Omonye Asika, Sarah Etim (wk), Abigail Igbobie (wk), Agatha Obulor, Oseyende Omonkhobio, Lucky Piety, Rachael Samson, Esther Sandy, Salome Sunday.
Kenya – Esther Wachira (C), Melvin Khagoitsa (VC), Queentor Abel, Judith Ajiambo, Lavendah Idambo, Marion Juma, Charity Muthoni (WK), Mary Mwangi, Lynz Nabwire, Monicah Ndhambi, Flavia Odhiambo, Kelvia Ogola, Venasa Ooko, Ann Wanjira.
Players to watch out:
Rachael Samson
Samson, a dashing all-rounder representing Nigeria, showcases remarkable precision with her bowling. The impeccable line and lengths she delivers at the mere age of 21 effectively curtail the opposition’s scoring. Having secured an impressive tally of 37 wickets on the international stage, including her stellar performance of 4/13, she boasts an outstanding career average of 14.86. Undoubtedly, she will play a pivotal and prominent role in this crucial game.
Salome Sunday
With a remarkable tally of over 600 runs on the grand stage, Sunday brings a wealth of experience to the team. Her recent performances in the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s T20I Tournament demonstrated her ability to contribute significantly to the batting order, as evidenced by her impressive scores of an unbeaten 48, a solid 29, and another unbeaten 27. These innings added significant depth and structure to the team’s batting lineup. Although the right-hander has encountered some difficulties in finding her rhythm in the ongoing tournament, she remains optimistic and eagerly anticipates a change in fortune.
Esther Wachira
Versatile and dynamic, Wachira has honed her batting and bowling skills to perfection, ensuring optimal contributions to her national team. Consistently nailing accurate lines and occasionally claiming crucial wickets, she fearlessly takes on the challenging overs that can make or break a match. With an impressive average of 18.62 in international cricket, Wachira’s bowling prowess is evident, while her highest score of an unbeaten 47 showcases her batting ability. Great expectations surround her as she prepares to make a significant impact on the game.
Lavendah Idambo
Anticipating a promising cricketing career, the talented right-arm pacer envisions a bright future ahead. With an impressive tally of 23 wickets on the international stage, achieved at an astounding average of 21, she has already made her mark. In the recently concluded Victoria Women’s T20 series, her exceptional bowling performances stood out as she consistently maintained a hard line and delivered accurate lengths, resulting in remarkable economy rates. Now, she aims to make a significant impact by taking wickets in the upcoming matches.
Pitch:
A well-balanced track with a slight advantage for the batters. But it’s only a matter of hitting the right lengths for the bowlers and restricting their counterparts to a lower total.
Weather:
Comfortable playing conditions are forecasted, with temperatures hovering around 20-25 degrees and no chance of rain. Although it will remain overcast for a major part of the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Abigail Igbobie (wk), Salome Sunday, Lucky Piety, Venasa Ooko, Esther Sandy, Queentor Abel, Esther Wachira, Lavendah Idambo, Rachael Samson, Flavia Odhiambo, Melvin Khagoitsa.
Match Details:
Date – June 17th, 2023
Time – 01:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda
Broadcast – Access live scores for all the games in the series on the FanCode app and website