Twiga edge Tembo in tense women’s cricket clash

DAR ES SALAAM: TWIGA produced a disciplined all-round display to defeat Tembo by eight runs in the Tanzania Women’s Cricket Premier League 2026 match played at Annadil Burhani Oval in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Defending a modest total of 99-6 from their 20 overs, Twiga restricted Tembo to 91-9 in a tense contest that went down to the final over. After being sent in to bat, Twiga struggled to score freely against a controlled Tembo bowling attack but managed to build crucial partnerships to post a competitive total.

Neema Pius anchored the innings with 34 runs from 42 balls, hitting two boundaries in the process, while Zulfa Hussein added 10 and Aisha Ally Rashid contributed another 10 runs. Linda Justine remained unbeaten on 11 to help Twiga finish strongly in the closing overs.

Twiga also benefited from Tembo’s lack of discipline with the ball, collecting 21 extras, including 17 wides and four no-balls, which proved decisive in a low-scoring encounter.

Tembo’s bowlers kept their side in the match through regular breakthroughs. Lightness Eliud was the standout performer with figures of 2-10 from four overs, including a maiden, while Sophia Jerome claimed 1-12 from four overs. Perice Kamunya and Farida Amiry also picked up a wicket each.

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In reply, Tembo lost wickets at regular intervals and never fully recovered despite a fighting effort from Mwanaiddi Mohamed, who top-scored with 23 runs off 35 balls. Farida Amiry added 17 runs, including the only six of the innings, while Lightness Eliud chipped in with 13 runs late in the chase.

Twiga’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, with Jenipher Kimaro leading the attack after taking 3-21 in four overs. Aisha Ally Rashid produced an economical spell of 2-14 from four overs, while Sheila Kizito and Neema Pius claimed one wicket each.

The match turned in Twiga’s favour during the final three overs when Tembo lost four wickets while chasing the required runs.

Twiga sealed victory when Sonia Chachala was dismissed on the final ball of the innings, leaving Tembo stranded on 91-9 after their 20 overs.