Following a devastating defeat in their opener, Kenya prepares to face Tanzania, who kicked off their campaign with a flawless win. The two teams clash in match 5 of the ongoing Division 1 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier. The game is scheduled for the 11th of December, 2023, at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Uganda, at 12:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Kenya – Esther Wachira (C), Queentor Abel, Josephine Abwom, Mercy Ahono, Lavendah Idambo, Melvin Khagoitsa, Kreeshna Mehta, Charity Muthoni (WK), Mary Mwangi (WK), Jemimah Ndanu, Flavia Odhiambo, Kelvia Ogola, Judith Ogolla, Venasa Ooko
Tanzania – Neema Pius (C), Perice Kamunya (VC), Fatuma Kibasu, Aisha Mohamed, Monica Iddi, Saum Mtae, Sophia Jerome, Shufaa Hamza, Sheila Kizito, Mwajabu Salum, Agnes Qwele, Saum Deo, Mwanamvua Ushanga, Hudaa Omary, Viloeth Mwandry
Players to watch out:
Melvin Khagoitsa
The 15-year-old all-rounder, in 36 T20 International (T20I) outings, has scalped 29 wickets at an economy rate of 3.96 and registered the best of 3/13. In 15 batting outings, she has managed only 94 runs but has shown promise in a few outings. Melvin, with figures of 2/20, kicked off her campaign and her progress will be closely tracked.
Esther Wachira
The 24-year-old all-rounder, in T20Is, in 37 outings, has scored 324 runs, including the best of 51, and in 43 bowling innings has picked up 41 wickets, with the best being 3/3. in the opener, while Esther didn’t contribute much with the bat, she produced figures of 2/26, and it’ll be expected of her to carry forward this bowling form while also be back among runs.
Fatuma Kibasu
The 34-year-old all-rounder has piled on 1211 runs, including the highest of 127*, at a strike rate of 113.39, and has bagged 16 wickets from 22 bowling innings. Of late, Fatuma has been in great form, both with the bat and ball and in the ongoing Qualifier opener, scored an unbeaten 25. It’ll be hoped that she makes the most of this form, contributing significantly.
Aisha Mohammed
The 24-year-old all-rounder, in 11 outings with the bat, has added 88 runs to the tally and taken 10 wickets from 13 innings. In domestic games and then the recent Quadrangular series in Hong Kong, Aisha has been consistently among the wickets and was no different in the opener, returning figures of 2/14. She’ll be relied upon for the goods.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Entebbe Cricket Oval heavily favors the pacers, creating ideal conditions for bowling, as evident from the average score in the 90s. However, batters with good tactical skills and shot selection can still score runs effectively.
Weather:
With a high chance of rain at 50%, expect delayed starts to proceedings if the skies don’t clear. The temperature is expected to be around 23°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 80%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Charity Muthoni, Saum Mtae, Monica Iddi, Fatuma Kibasu, Queentor Abel, Esther Wachira, Perice Kamunya, Aisha Mohamed, Melvin Khagoitsa, Sophia Jerome, Agnes Qwele
Match details:
Date – December 11, 2023
Time – 12:00 PM IST
Venue – Entebbe Cricket Oval, Entebbe
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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