Falcons, Rift Hawks in Twenty20 wins

Nairobi Falcons veteran women’s batsman, Margaret Banja Saturday had a brilliant performance with the bat knocking half a century in Cricket Kenya’s women’s Twenty20 tournament as her team beat Rift Flamingos by 23 runs at Ruaraka Sports Club.

Banja was Falcons’ highest runs getter with 80 runs. Batting first, Falcons set a target of 143 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Sharon Juma (34) and Teresia Wanjiru (14) were the only other Falcons’ batsmen who posted double digit figurers on the scoreboard. Mary Bensia (2/7) and Emily Wambui (1/27) were the wicket takers for Flamingos.

Daisy Wairimu, who was unbeaten on 29 and Esther Wangari (15) were the other Flamingos batsmen who posted meaningful figures on the scoreboard.

In reply, Flamingos scored 119 by the time all their batsmen were sent back to the pavilion with six balls in hand. Quitor Aoko (41) top scored for Flamingos.

Mercyline Adhiambo was Flamingos’ main executioner taking four wickets for 11. Terresia Wanjiru (2/15), Brenda Mugusu (2/13) and Venesa Adhila (1/16) were the other wicket takers.

At the Rift Valley Sports Club, Rift Hawks proved too strong for Nairobi Eagles whom they beat by 12 runs.

Batting first, the Hawks scored 95 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted overs.

Barbarah Ambiyo top scored for the Hawks with 29. Ann Wanjiru who was unbeaten on 22 put an unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 35 runs with Jane Kanini (17 not out).

In reply, the Eagles were dismissed for 84 with 11 balls in hand. Sarah Bhatika (29) top scored for the Eagles and with Lydia Kaparo (14), the duo were the only Eagles batsmen who scored double digit figures.

The Eagles  wickets were shared among Lavenda  Alivisya (1/10), Brenda Ingasiani  (1/21) and Sarah Bhatika (1/12).