Ajman: The UAE got off to a wining start in the first-ever UAE International Women’s T20 tournament organised by Emirates Cricket Board, defeating Malaysia by six wickets at the Eden Garden Ajman ground on Wednesday.
Nisha Ali with an unbeaten 23, Natasha Michael (19) and Roopa Nagaraj (15) ensured UAE’s victory after Malaysia were restricted to 81 for three in 20 overs. The pick among the UAE bowlers was Samiya Salim, who took two of the three wickets that fell giving away just eight runs from her three overs.
She bowled opener Emylia Eliani for two and also bowled Winifred Anne for a duck. Only Dewi Idora withstood the tight UAE attack to score an unbeaten 28.
Seven countries are taking part in this tournament which took off with Kenya defeating Qatar by 72 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Kenya, after posting an impressive 133 for 3 in 20 overs, restricted Qatar to 61 in 18.5 overs.
Margaret Banja topscored with 31 runs while opener Mary Wambui scored 30 runs. Wambui then went on to bag three wickets for eight runs and was well supported by Sarah Bhatika, who also took three wickets for 10 runs. Kenya have arrived after intense training in Nairobi.
Uganda playing in a tournament for the first time outside Africa after tours to Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe, recorded an emphatic 87 runs over Oman. Uganda skipper Barbara Mukankusi, who opened the innings, hit 23 runs but her team lost wickets in regular intervals. No. 8 batswoman Franklyn Najjumba hit 35 and No. 9 batswoman Carol Namugenyi chipped in with an unconquered 23 runs to help Uganda post 126 for 7.
Oman were then bowled out for 39 in 19.5 overs. Namugenyi was the chief destroyer with a spell of four wickets for just three runs. She was backed by Aweko Consy and Lelia Namaganda with two wickets each.
UAE will meet Kenya in their second match today at Sharjah Stadium while Qatar play Malaysia in Ajman. Kenya and Qatar will also clash at the Sharjah stadium.
The semi-final of the tournament will be held on September 18 and final on September 19 at the Sharjah Stadium.
