Kenya ensured that they ended the event on a high after beating debutants Namibia by 18 runs at the ICC Africa Women’s championship in Kampala, Uganda.
Kenya eventually won a toss for once in the tourney and it was like a good omen as they elected to bat with openers Margaret Banja unbeaten on 57 and skipper Emily Ruto 17 shared an opening stand of 56 before Ruto was caught at mid-off attempting to accelerate the run-rate.
Banja was then joined by Sarah Bhakita who made a brisk 12 before being stumped when she attempted a slog to long-on. Kenya went on to post 102 for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, Namibia never got going as new-ball pair of Belinda Maska and Mercyline Adhiambo combined to derail their chase, the latter being the pick of the bowlers with 3-6 off 3 overs and the Southern Africans were left tottering at 20 for 4.
The Namibians fought back brilliantly to reach 84 all out in 18.4 overs but it was not enough to cause the Kenyans any worry as they used their experience to dispatch their opponents with ease.
Banja was nominated woman of the match for this tie for her impressive performance in the match. But it won't be enough consolation for the Kenyans who finished behind the Namibians due to an inferior run-rate.
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