Herons pick vital lessons despite final heart break

Mqondisi Dube | Monday September 11, 2023 16:00

Kenya dismissed Botswana for a measly 52 before cantering to a nine wicket win. Both Botswana and Kenya by virtue of reaching the final qualified for the Division One qualifier to be held in Uganda in December. Kenya looked solid throughout the tournament, giving little away to their opponents and that script did not change in the final against the Herons. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first but that did not pay dividends as in just under an hour, all the batters were back in the pavillion.

Botswana used only 14.2 of their allotted 20 overs to reach 52 all out as the pint-sized Flavia Otieno ripped through the hosts’ batting line-up. Otieno returned figures of 4-10 in just 3.2 overs as Kenya proved stingy with runs, their hallmark throughout the competition. Florence Samanyika was the only batswoman to reach double figures as she top scored with 22. Daisy Njoronge then ensured a routine Kenya victory when she hit an unbeaten 26 as the champions needed 8.1 overs to reach the target. Botswana’s shining light, Goabilwe Matome provided the silver lining with some inspired bowling, despite the small total to defend. She bowled some rippers and maintained a tight line and length. She picked the only wicket to fall, as her straight delivery crushed into Queentor Abel’s exposed stumps. But it was nothing more than consolation for the home side with victory never in doubt the moment Botswana was dismissed for a low total.

Matome was Botswana’s standout player in the tournament as she chipped in with vital runs, while also picking wickets at regular intervals. Coach, Stanley Timoni admitted they were heartbroken not to win the tournament, but said critical lessons were picked. “It is a disappointment, we wanted to win the final but unfortunately we couldn’t back up our plans in terms of batting. We did not put enough runs on the board and we were punished,” Timoni said. “But I think our bowlers did very well. Pushing them to the ninth over, it means if we had runs, it could have been something else,” he added. Overall, Timoni said he was happy with the girls’ performance as they prepare for the Division One challenge in Uganda. “We need to work in lots of area and improve in terms of game intelligence and mental toughness, mental fitness and also organise friendly matches with other countries before we go for the December qualifier,” the coach said.

Captain, Laura Mophakedi said the team with the better players won. “The tournament overall went well. Our goal was to qualify for Division One, which we did. Kenya was quite a strong side, honestly, and they played very well. There is always one winner at the end of the day. The team with the stronger side always wins,” Mophakedi said. She said the goal will be to improve on their weaknesses ahead of the Division One qualifier.

Match summary

Botswana 52 (14.2overs) Kenya 53/1 (8.1 overs) Samanyika 22 Njoronge 26* Otieno 4/10 (3.2 overs) Matome 1/19 (4)

Toss: Botswana