Eagles take flight in Hong Kong

Cricket
The Capricorn Eagles must overcome Hong Kong Women to book their spot in the final of the Women's T20I Quadrangular Series.
Otis Daniels
  • 2 Weeks Ago 06 December 2024
The Capricorn Eagles, Namibia’s national women’s cricket team produced a clinical performance and recorded their first victory at the Women's T20I Quadrangular Series in Hong Kong.



The Namibians still have to play and must defeat the host nation, Hong Kong Women to ensure they advance to the final. The Namibian and Hong Kong ladies teams both have two points after scoring a win and losing a match. Namibia (ranked 17th), previously hosted Hong Kong (ranked 22nd) in 2023 and the Eagles were the better team at home.



Thailand Women, the highest ranked (13th) team competing in the tournament, occupies the first spot with four points from two wins. China Women (ranked 48th) still have to open their account and are placed at the bottom of the log.



The Eagles bounced back from their six wicket opening match defeat against Thailand with a convincing 10 wicket and 95 balls remaining win against China Women in their second match of the tournament at Mong Kok on Thursday.



China Women elected to bat first and were restricted to 55 for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs through excellent bowling and fielding by the Namibians. Opening batsman Jing Yang managed to hit 11 runs (including two 4’s) from 19 balls. Gong Yuting also added 11 runs (including two 4s) from 12 balls.



Wilka Mwatile was the star bowler for Namibia Women. She claimed four wickets for six runs and bowled four maidens in four overs. This performance earned her the player of the match accolade. Irene van Zyl also took two wickets and bowled three maidens for one run in four overs.



Namibian Women captain and opening batsman Sune Wittmann (not out) and Edelle van Zyl (not out) hit the required match winning 56 runs in 4.1 overs. Wittmann scored 48 (including ten 4s) from 20 balls and Van Zyl added 8 runs (including one 4) from 5 balls. Ma Ruike was the most economical bowler for China Women. She bowled one over and was hot for eight runs.



Reflecting on the team’s performance, Wittmann said that they pride themselves on playing fearless cricket. “Our goal is to carry this momentum beyond this tournament, into the Malaysia tour, and into the World Cup Qualifiers next year.”



Cricket fans can catch the games live on ICC TV. Additionally, live scores are available on Cricinfo, ensuring supporters can follow every ball and boundary.



The Namibian squad members are Sune Wittmann (c), Edelle van Zyl, Naomi Benjamin, Bianca Manual, Sylvia Shihepo, Mekelaye Mwatile, Wilka Mwatile, Victoria Hamunyela, Mazerly Horases, Irene van Zyl, Arrasta Diergaardt, Kayleen Green, Yasmeen Khan and Saima Tuhadeleni. The team officials are Francois van der Merwe (head coach), Gerhard Lotter (assistant cach), Hestelle Spies (team manager) and Kirsten Penzhorn (physio).



Remaining Fixtures:

7 December - Hong Kong vs Namibia at 08:00 am.

8 December - 3rd place play-off at 03:30 am and Final at 08:00 am.