Malawi cricket team crowned champions
The Malawi women’s junior cricket team yesterday claimed a two-wicket victory over Kenya to win the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifiers.
The latest result at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2 in Kigali, Rwanda means the Malawi Under-19 Women’s National Team has secured a spot in the next stage after registering six-straight wins in the qualifiers.
They have topped the seven-team table with maximum 12 points and finished unbeaten after seeing-off Kenya, Botswana, Mozambique, E-swatini, Sierra Leone and Lesotho.
In yesterday’s match, Malawi made a total of 110 runs in 19.2 overs to outsmart the Kenyans, who made 109 runs in the entire 20 overs.
Malawi coach Gershom Mtambalika attributed the 100 percent record to hard-work and determination.
He said: “We played as a team throughout the competition. The girls were hardworking and they did exactly what we practised in training.
“This remarkable result is a big boost to our campaign as we head to the next stage.”
Malawi captain Ketrina Chingaipe was the centrepiece of Malawi’s victory yesterday as she top-scored with 28 runs. She was followed by Esther Richard with 21 runs.
In terms of bowling, Eva Kabwere was the game-changer after claiming three wickets for the Malawi side