Kenya storm into Division One after dominating Sierra Leone

In the ongoing ICC U19 Women’s T20 Africa Division Two Qualifier happening in Entebbe, Uganda; the Kenya U19 Women's team continued its impressive run with another commanding performance as they defeated Sierra Leone by six wickets to seal their qualification to the Division One qualifiers later this year.

The victory marked Kenya’s third consecutive win in the tournament, following earlier triumphs over Mozambique and Cameroon.

Now with six points from three matches, the team becomes the first to secure a place in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division One Qualifier, which will be held in Tanzania and serve as part of the pathway to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal.

Their match against Sierra Leone was affected by rain and reduced to 19 overs per side. Kenya elected to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive as their disciplined bowling attack restricted Sierra Leone to a modest total.

Though Sierra Leone struggled to build momentum against Kenya’s tight bowling lines: Isatu F. Sesay top-scored with a patient 23 runs off 48 deliveries, while captain Mariama Jalloh remained unbeaten on 10 from 26 balls.

The Kenyan bowlers-maintained pressure throughout the innings, limiting scoring opportunities and regularly breaking partnerships.

Nezarine Oluoch led the bowling effort with 2 wickets for 12 runs, while Marion Agoi, Stella Rodgers, and captain Melvin Khagoitsa each chipped in with a wicket. Their combined effort ensured Sierra Leone finished on just 63 for 6 at the end of their allotted 19 overs.

In the second innings Kenya started slow Chasing a target of 64, but slowly got composure despite losing a few wickets along the way.

Zainabu Hamisi anchored the innings early with a steady 20 runs off 29 balls and Captain Melvin Khagoitsa then guided her side home with an unbeaten 19 from 24 deliveries, ensuring Kenya reached 64 for 4 in just 13 overs and win by 6 wickets.

Sierra Leone’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure, with Kadiatu Sawaneh picking up two wickets for 10 runs and Isha Kariatu Bangura claiming one, but the target proved too small to defend.

For her all-round contribution of a wicket and a match-winning knock, Khagoitsa was named Player of the Match; her second such award in the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Khagoitsa expressed pride in her team’s achievement and highlighted the collective effort that has powered Kenya’s campaign.

She noted that the players were excited about securing qualification for Division One and emphasized the importance of leadership by example. She echoed that, maintaining confidence within the squad and constantly encouraging teammates has been key to their success.

Despite the defeat, Sierra Leone captain Mariama Jalloh remained optimistic about her team’s performance and the experience gained during the tournament. She acknowledged that while the team fielded and bowled well, their batting lacked the runs needed to defend a competitive total.

Jalloh pointed out that if Sierra Leone had managed to post a higher score, they might have been able to capitalize on their strong bowling display. Nonetheless, she expressed pride in her players and emphasized the valuable lessons the team would take back home, particularly in improving their batting and overall game management.

The loss leaves Sierra Leone fourth on the standings with two points from three matches, effectively ending their hopes of advancing to the Division One qualifiers.

Kenya will now turn their focus to finishing the group stage strongly when they face second-placed Malawi in their final match of the tournament on Saturday.