Venasa Ooko’s all-round performance guided Kenya Women to a crucial 26-run victory against Rwanda Women in the first T20I of the Rwanda Women’s tour of Kenya 2024. The match, held at the Sikh Union Club Ground, Nairobi, saw Kenya defend a modest total of 97 by bowling out Rwanda for 71 in 18 overs.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Kenya Women faced early setbacks, losing their top order cheaply. Captain Charity Muthoni was dismissed for a duck in the first over, followed by Kreeshna Mehta for just 1 run. Wickets continued to fall as Rwanda’s bowling attack applied constant pressure.
Venasa Ooko, however, stood firm in the middle order with a crucial 33 off 31 balls, providing the backbone to Kenya’s innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Esther Wachira (23 off 20) and Ooko managed to push Kenya’s total to 97/9 at the end of 20 overs. Rwanda’s bowlers, led by Marie Bimenyimana (3/25) and Alice Ikuzwe (2/11), kept Kenya’s scoring rate in check.
In reply, Rwanda Women struggled right from the start, losing their captain Marie Bimenyimana for a duck in the first over. Melvin Khagoitsa (2/18) and Queentor Abel (4/9) ripped through Rwanda’s top order, reducing them to 1/3 within two overs. Only Alice Ikuzwe (22 off 32) and Clarisse Uwase (12 off 16) offered some resistance, but Kenya’s bowlers ensured that Rwanda never gained momentum.
The game was sealed when Queentor Abel picked up 4 wickets for just 9 runs, restricting Rwanda to 71 all out in 18 overs, giving Kenya a 26-run victory.
Key Highlights:
- Venasa Ooko’s all-round performance: Scored a vital 33 off 31 balls and played a key role in stabilizing Kenya’s innings after early wickets.
- Queentor Abel’s match-winning spell: Claimed 4 wickets for 9 runs in 3 overs, decimating Rwanda’s middle and lower order.
- Rwanda’s early struggles: The team lost 3 wickets in the first two overs, making it difficult to recover in the run chase.
- Marie Bimenyimana’s bowling: Despite her side’s loss, Bimenyimana bowled a fantastic spell of 3/25 in 4 overs, keeping Kenya under pressure.
Records and Milestones:
- This victory gives Kenya Women a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series.
- Queentor Abel’s figures of 4/9 were the best bowling performance of the match.
- Venasa Ooko was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance.
Brief Scores:
Kenya Women: 97/9 in 20 overs (Venasa Ooko 33, Esther Wachira 23, Marie Bimenyimana 3/25, Alice Ikuzwe 2/11)
Rwanda Women: 71 all out in 18 overs (Alice Ikuzwe 22, Clarisse Uwase 12, Queentor Abel 4/9, Melvin Khagoitsa 2/18)
Result: Kenya Women won by 26 runs.
Player of the Match: Venasa Ooko – 33 (31) & 0/0
This match sets up an exciting series, with Kenya looking to build on their momentum and Rwanda aiming to bounce back in the next game.
