Ladies Patriots secured two straight win to reach ICC Division 2 qualifiers semi-finals
The Ladies Patriots have secured a deserving ticket to the semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier after beating Mozambique by 10 wickets on Sunday at BCA Oval 1 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Mozambique victory is on the trot for the Ladies’ two straight wins as they head for the much-needed gold.
On Sunday, Sierra Leone chose to field after winning the toss. The aim behind bowling first is to size up the batting power of the contenders. This brought in Mozambique’s Palmira Cuinica and Isabel Mabunda for the epic show. Dream to stay cut short, both got bowled by Janet Kowa, scoring no runs, wasting four balls.
Then Irene Mulhovo stepped in for the charge, receiving 30 balls and making only 12 runs before being bowled out by Isha Quee. This switched Mozambique’ middle order in disarray. Hardly knowing what to do, the remaining six, one immediately after the other, were sent back to the dugout by gold-minded Janet Kowa, Fatu Pessima and Alice Fillie.
Kowa, in her own prize, took three wickets, had one maiden with with a bowling economy of 1.75 in four overs.
All efforts combined, Mozambique scored only 55 runs all out in 16.3 overs for 3.33 run rate.
Sierra Leone’s offensive to chase the 56 was led by Emma Kamara who posted 31 runs off 17 balls, hitting one 6 for 182.35 strike rate.
Beside Emma in strong partnership was Fatu Conteh who batted for 14 runs off 28 balls.
The duo fought the battle for Sierra Leone receiving 11 extras after posting 56 runs for the loss of no wicket in 7.1 overs with a run rate of 7.81. For a 10-wicket win against Mozambique, the Ladies are through to the semi-final as Janet Kowa won Player of the Match.
Sierra Leone is leading Group B with 4 points in two games played with a net run rate of 5.163. Mozambique is second with 2 points.
In Group A, Kenya is leading the way with 4 points followed by Malawi with points.
On Tuesday 5th September 2023, Sierra Leone will face Eswatini for the first time in 12 years.
