The KENYA – RWANDA BILATERAL SERIES 2024 kicked off in exciting fashion with Kenya securing a 26-run victory in the first game of the series. Hosted at the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi, both teams brought a mix of energy and tactical play, making for an enthralling match that set the tone for the tournament.
Match Summary
Kenya won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a total of 97/9 in 20 overs. While the score seemed within Rwanda’s reach, disciplined bowling from the Kenyan side saw Rwanda bowled out for 71 runs in 18 overs, giving Kenya a vital first victory by 26 runs.
Kenya’s Innings: Top Performances
Kenya’s batting lineup had moments of brilliance, but the star performers were Vanessa Adhiambo Ooko and Esther Wachira. Ooko led the charge with a composed 33 off 31 balls, striking 4 boundaries and maintaining a solid strike rate of 106.45. Her measured innings set a foundation for Kenya’s competitive total, even as Rwanda’s bowlers sought to disrupt their progress.
Esther Wachira also contributed significantly, adding 23 runs from 20 balls, including 3 boundaries. With a strike rate of 115 her performance kept Kenya’s momentum alive through the middle overs. Despite Kenya’s total being modest, these contributions proved pivotal in applying pressure on Rwanda.
On the bowling front, Rwanda’s Bimenyimana Marie Diane showed her class by taking 3 wickets for 25 runs in her 4 overs, maintaining an economy of 6.25. Alongside her, Alice Ikuzwe was outstanding, taking 2 wickets while conceding just 11 runs in 4 overs with a tight economy of 2.75.
Rwanda’s Chase: A Struggle Against Kenya’s Bowling
Rwanda’s chase began with high hopes but quickly turned into a struggle as Kenya’s bowling attack dismantled their batting lineup. Alice Ikuzwe was Rwanda’s standout batter, contributing 22 runs off 32 balls, including 4 boundaries. However, her efforts were not enough to keep Rwanda afloat as wickets tumbled around her.
Kenya’s bowling hero was Queentor Abel, who produced an exceptional performance, taking 4 wickets for just 9 runs in 3 overs, with an impressive economy of 3.00. Her accurate and incisive bowling made it difficult for Rwanda’s batters to settle into any rhythm. Abel’s spell was the turning point of the match, as she consistently broke key partnerships and kept Rwanda on the back foot.
Bimenyimana Marie Diane, who had shone with the ball, tried to replicate her success with the bat but managed only modest returns. Rwanda struggled to build partnerships, and their innings ended at 71 all out, well short of Kenya’s target.
Final Kenya taking a 1-0 lead
Kenya’s 26-run victory was a testament to their all-around performance, with strong contributions from both bat and ball. Vanessa Adhiambo Ooko’s batting and Queentor Abel’s exceptional bowling were the highlights of the match. Rwanda, despite showing promise, will need to regroup and come back stronger in the next game of the series.
With Kenya taking a 1-0 lead in the KENYA – RWANDA BILATERAL SERIES 2024, the tournament is off to a thrilling start, and both teams will look to capitalize on lessons learned from this opening encounter. Rwanda will be eager to level the series in the next match, while Kenya will aim to maintain their winning momentum.
Stay tuned as the series continues, with plenty more exciting cricket to come.
