In a resounding celebration of talent and performance, Kenya’s Queentor Abel has been honored with the prestigious ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year Award for 2023. The dynamic all-rounder showcased remarkable skills with both bat and ball, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.
Abel’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a historic moment for Kenyan cricket, as she joins compatriot Thomas Odoyo (2007) in the exclusive club of Kenyan players to win either the Men’s or Women’s Associate accolade.
Consistency Across Formats
Queentor Abel’s exceptional year was highlighted by her consistent performances in various tournaments, establishing her as a key player for the Kenyan women’s cricket team. Her contributions played a pivotal role in Kenya’s triumph at the Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Division Two Qualifier, followed by a strong campaign in the Division One tournament held in Uganda.
Abel’s stellar performance was recognized as she was named the Player of the Tournament in the Division Two competition in Botswana. Amassing an impressive 238 runs in five innings and claiming 12 wickets at a remarkable average of 2.84, Abel’s all-round brilliance was a major factor in Kenya’s success.
In the subsequent Division One tournament, Abel continued her stellar form, capturing six wickets at an average of 6.83. Additionally, her impactful contributions with the bat further solidified her reputation as a valuable asset for the team.
Dominance in the Kwibuka Tournament
Queentor Abel’s prowess extended to the annual Kwibuka Tournament in Rwanda, where she emerged as the top run-scorer with 206 runs across nine innings. Not only did she excel with the bat, but Abel also showcased her bowling prowess, taking 11 wickets at an economical rate of 4.40. Unsurprisingly, her outstanding efforts earned her the well-deserved Player of the Tournament honors.
Record-breaking Achievement
A remarkable stat further cements Abel’s place as a standout performer in the world of cricket. She is the only Associate player, male or female, to have amassed over 1000 runs and taken 50 or more wickets in T20 Internationals. This remarkable feat highlights her all-round excellence and places her in a league of her own among Associate cricketers.
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Kenya's Queentor Abel is the winner of ICC Women's Associate Cricketer of the Year Award for 2023#CricketTwitter #ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/HMIsQfi6lf
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Memorable Moments
One of the standout performances of Abel’s remarkable year came in a Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Division Two Qualifier match against Botswana. Abel played a pivotal role with the bat, scoring a spectacular 71 runs off 46 balls, including 12 boundaries. As if that wasn’t enough, she then turned the game on its head with the ball, claiming 4/7 from four overs. Her exceptional all-round performance helped Kenya post a formidable total of 164/1, and she further tightened the screws by bowling 19 dot balls in her spell, sealing the victory in style.
In response to being named the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year, Abel expressed her gratitude, saying,
“Winning the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year is a profound honor, representing the culmination of relentless dedication to the sport. This recognition is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the collective efforts of my teammates, coaches, Pirates Cricket Club, and not forgetting my fans out there.”
“This accolade fuels my passion for the game and reinforces the positive strides made in promoting women’s cricket globally. As a recipient, I feel a responsibility to inspire aspiring players and contribute to the continued growth of women’s cricket. This award is a source of immense pride and motivation to keep pushing boundaries in my cricketing journey.”
