Kenya’s Ladies team suffered an unexpected and humiliating defeat at the hands of Tanzania yesterday in the first match of the Africa World Cup Qualifiers. Batting first, Tanzania set an impressive 190 lead by Aneth Benali who fell just short of a half century on 43. Pick of Kenya’s bowlers was Margaret Banja who took 3/36.

In reply, Kenya never looked like they were in the match as Tanzania’s bowlers kept up a steady stream of wickets. Only one Kenyan batter made double figures, and that only just, again Banja with 10. In the end Kenya were bowled out for a paltry 80 runs and are going to have to come up with something much better over the next couple of days if they are to avoid the wooden spoon in this tournament.

In yesterday’s other match, Zimbabwe defeated Uganda by a fairly comfortable margin of 63 runs. Kenya take on the Zimbabweans today at the Aga Khan grounds and will need their batters to show much better application if they are going to prevent another defeat. Tanzania play Uganda at Premier Club hoping for a second win which would mean their match against Zimbabwe tomorrow would in effect be a final.