Zimbabwe Women dismiss Kenya in Qualifier opener

Zimbabwe Women – 111/9 in 20 overs (Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano 31, Josephine Nkomo 26; Queentor Abel 2-15, Melvin Khagoitsa 2-20, Esther Wachira 2-26)

Kenya Women – 49 all out in 15.4 overs (Tiara Charity Muthoni 10, Mercy Ahono 9; Loreen Tshuma 3-14, Precious 2-12)

Zimbabwe Women won by 62 runs

Zimbabwe Women got off to a flyibg start after they beat Kenya Women by in an ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Africa match at the Entebbe Cricket Ground in Uganda on Saturday.

Kenya won the toss and chose to field first and did well to limit Zimbabwe to 111 for the loss of nine wickets.

While Chipo Mugeri Tiripano was irresistible for her 31 off 17 balls, and Josephine Nkomo determined in 26 off 18, Kenya were able to limit what the Zimbabweans could do.

Queentor Abel, Melvin Khagoitsa and Esther Wachira took two wickets apiece.

Zimbabwe were affected by the injury of teenage sensation Kelis Ndhlovu who retired hurt after three balls, having added only one run.

In response, Zimbabwe got going very quickly, with Nomvelo Sibanda removing Abel with the sixth ball of the innings. Nkomo accounted for Khagoitsa three balls later.

Tiara Charity Muthoni was the only one to get to double figures, with the Lady Chevrons showing ruthlessness against their less illustrious hosts.

Zimbabwe coach Gary Brent will be annoyed by the number of extras conceded, as he could have had the Kenyans out for less.

Next, Zimbabwe take on Botswana on Monday before rounding off the group stage against Tanzania on Wednesday afternoon.