Not being able to bat out your quota of overs is a crime in cricket very few teams get away from. So far Kenya batters haven't been able to negotiate Ugandan bowlers with authority and yesterday they failed again, allowing hosts Uganda to clean sweep the one day series by 65 runs.
Chasing a modest score of 126 at Kyambogo University Grounds after Frankline Najjumba made a maiden half century, Kenya were in deep waters at 20 for 5 with all top batters Margaret Banja (1), Emily Ruto (1), Sarah Bhakita (4) and Sharon Juma (2) back in the pavilion.
Concy Aweko, Flavia Laker and Frankline Najjumba, proved to be too tough to handle in the inning sharing all the top order wickets.
The visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals and despite 19 from youngster Quinta Aoko and a patient 16 from Pearlyne Omamo, they only managed to cross 50 run mark which certainly wasn't enough on a true pitch.
Unlike their visitors, Uganda showed some class with the bat with batters looking comfortable and occupying the crease for longer. Kenya had had a good start possible putting Uganda on 4 for 2 in seven balls but a patient knock from Najjumba and various partnerships enabled Uganda to set up a modest target which Kenya batters blew away.
Najjumba made 59 rains before falling to Ruto who put on a good show with the ball picking 4 wickets for only 19 runs. Scovia Akello and Laker made 19 and 16 respectively.
Omamo and Banja picked two wickets each as Kenya ended Uganda’s inning with 14 overs to spare.
Kenya had had a good start possible putting Uganda on 4 for 2 in seven balls.
Both teams now indulge in a series of five T20 and it'll be upon Kenya batting to rise to the occasion because Ugandans are not in mood for any mercy.
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