The national women’s teams of Nigeria and Kenya are slated to face off in match no. 4 of the forthcoming 10th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament on the 30th of May, 2024, at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B), Kigali, at 5:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Nigeria – Favour Eseigbe (C), Abigail Igbobie (VC, WK), Shola Adekunle, Lucky Piety, Sarah Etim (WK), Peculiar Agboya, Victory Igbinedion, Christabel Chukwuonye, Annointed Akhigbe, Salome Sunday, Lillian Udeh, Usen Peace, Rachael Samson, Esther Sandy
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:
Lucky Piety
The 17-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has accumulated 410 runs from 31 outings, while claiming 18 wickets from 22 bowling innings, with bests of 43 and 3/15. Lucky’s most recent outings date back to March 2024; her recent couple of T20I scores read 13 and 13*, with bowling figures of 0/12 (2). She’ll be backed to step up her efforts.
Favour Eseigbe
The 22-year-old all-rounder, from 45 T20I outings, has added 390 runs to the tally and scalped 44 wickets from 41 bowling innings, with bests of 47 and 3/4. Favour hasn’t scored many runs lately, departing with scores of 5, 8, and 1 in her previous 3 T20Is, but she can be relied upon to find her footing while also chipping in with the ball.
Queentor Abel
The 26-year-old all-rounder, averaging 10.75 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.41, has struck 65 wickets from 45 T20I innings, while with the bat, from 46 outings, she has amassed 1056 runs, averaging 27.07. Queentor displayed spectacular form with the ball in late 2023, while also consistently managing starts; she can be counted on for the goods.
Esther Wachira
The 25-year-old pacer, maintaining an economy rate of 4.96, has bagged 46 wickets from 48 T20I outings. She has also been handy with the bat, chipping in 380 runs from 42 innings. In her three T20I outings earlier this year, Esther bagged a couple of wickets, while also scoring a fine 42*. It is hoped she picks up from where she left off.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B) pleases bowlers. The spin-friendly conditions result in an average score in the 70s, requiring batters to exhibit discipline to post a competitive total.
Weather:
With partly cloudy skies and a very low chance of rain, it should be a good day for cricket. The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 55%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Sarah Etim, Venasa Ooko, Salome Sunday, Lucky Piety, Queentor Abel, Favour Eseigbe, Esther Wachira, Peculiar Agboya, Rachael Samson, Lavendah Idambo, Flavia Odhiambo
Match details:
Date – May 30, 2024
Time – 5:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B), Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.