Kenya and Malawi continued their impressive runs at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifiers with commanding victories on day two at Entebbe Cricket Oval.
Both teams secured their second consecutive wins of the tournament, strengthening their grip at the top of the standings.
Kenya captain Melvin Khagoitsa delivered a standout all-round performance to guide her side to a convincing 126-run victory over Cameroon in the morning fixture.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Kenya built a solid platform through opener Zainabu Hamisi, who struck a patient 44 off 40 balls. Khagoitsa then took charge of the innings with an impressive 71 from 59 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries and a six to keep the runs flowing.
Their partnership ensured Kenya maintained a steady scoring rate throughout the innings. Janet Makau later added an unbeaten 12 to help Kenya finish strongly on 161 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Cameroon struggled to build momentum in their chase against Kenya’s disciplined bowling attack. Early wickets left them three down inside the opening five overs, putting the middle order under immediate pressure.
Menguene Nzie Francoise Clara managed 12 runs while Akele Amougui Balbine Doris contributed 11, but regular breakthroughs halted any hopes of recovery.
Khagoitsa returned with the ball to cap a memorable performance, finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 3 in 3.1 overs as Cameroon were bowled out for 35 in 15.1 overs. She was named Player of the Match.
In the afternoon fixture, Malawi secured a comfortable 70-run victory over Sierra Leone thanks to a composed batting effort from Angela Lumbe and a disciplined bowling display.
Batting first after Sierra Leone chose to field, Malawi faced early setbacks as the bowlers made early inroads. Lumbe steadied the innings with a patient unbeaten 46 from 57 deliveries, anchoring the batting effort through the middle overs.
Ireen Akonda Joseph contributed valuable lower-order runs with 12 as Malawi recovered to post 110 for 7 in their 20 overs. Sierra Leone’s Isha Kariatu Bangura delivered an impressive spell with figures of 3 for 8 from four overs.
Chasing 111, Sierra Leone struggled to gain any momentum against Malawi’s tight bowling. Esther Richard led the attack with figures of 4 for 16, while Winnie Matabwa added three wickets as the batters failed to form meaningful partnerships.
Only Theresa Tommy offered resistance with 16 runs, but Sierra Leone were eventually dismissed for 40 in 9.4 overs. Lumbe’s unbeaten knock earned her the Player of the Match award.
With two wins each, Kenya and Malawi sit comfortably at the top of the standings after the second day of competition, underlining their early dominance in the tournament.
The qualifiers continue on Wednesday at Entebbe Cricket Oval with Mozambique set to face Malawi in the morning match, while Sierra Leone take on Cameroon in the afternoon fixture.
