For match no. 10 of the ongoing 2024 edition of the Kwibuka Twenty20 (T20) Tournament, Malawi and Kenya are set to lock horns at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B), Kigali. The game is slated for the 1st of June 2024, at 1:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Malawi – Vanessa Phiri (C), Sugeni Kananji, Sophina Chinawa, Tricia Chabila, Ketrina Chingaipe, Nellie Gamaliyele, Praise Maziya, Tadala Mpandakwaya, Mercy Kudimba (WK), Lucy Malino, Triphonia Luka, Allinafe Alfonso, Lidia Dimba
Kenya – Esther Wachira (C), Venasa Ooko, Veronica Abuga, Ann Wanjira, Jemimah Ndanu, Edith Waithaka, Lavendah Idambo, Flavia Odhiambo, Queentor Abel, Marion Juma, Judith Ogolla, Mercy Sifuna, Charity Muthoni (WK), Kelvia Ogola, Judith Ajiambo
Players to watch out:
Sophina Chinawa
The 17-year-old opening batter debuted against Lesotho late last year, scoring 6 runs, but in her subsequent games against Kenya and Botswana, managed starts, registering twin scores of 23. In the opener of this competition, Sophina again got going with a fluent 22, and it is hoped she converts her starts, notching up a big score for the team.
Vanessa Phiri
The 22-year-old pacer, averaging 10.33 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.62, has bagged 15 wickets from 12 T20I innings. Vanessa’s career-best of 4/9 had come in her most recent campaign, in late 2023, and though she leaked 22 runs off her only over in her first outing in this competition, she should be backed to find her rhythm with the ball.
Venasa Ooko
The 25-year-old middle-order batter, from 44 T20I innings, has accumulated 512 runs, including the highest of 57*, at an average of 18.28. In the African Games played earlier this year, in March, Venasa registered scores of 8, 12*, and 18*. She looked in promising form at the Games, and it will be expected of her to continue chipping in valuable runs.
Lavendah Idambo
The 18-year-old pacer, maintaining an economy rate of 4.61, has secured 47 wickets from 53 T20Is and produced the best of 4/14, while also being handy with the bat. Lavendah last took the field in March ’24, where following a few wicketless outings, she returned figures of 2/12 and 1/36. She is an experienced bowler and can be relied upon for breakthroughs.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium offers favorable conditions for bowlers, particularly spinners, leading to an average score in the 90s. Batters face challenges on this track but can look to convert their starts once they find their rhythm.
Weather:
It’ll be a bright, sunny day in Kigali with the temperature expected to hover around 26°C with light winds and humidity of 58%. A minimal chance of rain promises us a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Charity Muthoni, Venasa Ooko, Lidia Dimba, Queentor Abel, Esther Wachira, Triphonia Luka, Ketrina Chingaipe, Vanessa Phiri, Lavendah Idambo, Flavia Odhiambo, Lucy Malino
Match details:
Date – June 1, 2024
Time – 1:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B), Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
