SERENGETI Girls defeated Ngorongoro Girls by two runs via the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method in the 2024 Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) U-17 Women's Easter Series duel which took place in Dar es Salaam on Thursday.

Having won the toss and opted to bowl in the encounter which took place at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) ground, Serengeti Girls limited Ngorongoro Girls to 52/2 in 13 overs.

An early exit of the opener, Farida Amiry, did little to foil Ngorongoro Girls' plan to finish their turn with the bat with a better score after they were put in to bat first, given Swaumu and Mwanaidi showcased their batting tenacity for the squad.

The two batters put a spirited showing at the crease to push their team's score to over half a century, in which  Swaumu ended as the top run-getter having notched 16 runs whilst clearing the boundary once.

The other key performer, Mwanaidi, ended with a two-digit figure, given the cricketer posted an unbeaten 32-ball 15 runs.

The two cricketers duly made up for the brief stay that Farida experienced, as the latter ended five runs short of a two-digit figure- having been sent back by Serengeti Girls' Sabrina Salim.

There was moreover an encouraging batting showing put to show by Maria Justine who ended her stint with four runs not out. 

Sabrina and Fatuma Hatibu were the performers that made their presence felt when Serengeti Girls fielded, given they posted one wicket apiece.

Sabrina garnered the 3.33 economy rate after her three-over quota had the performer leaking 10 runs and Fatuma gave away nine runs in two overs, posting the 4.50 economy rate. 

The Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method had to be put to use when Serengeti Girls went in to bat because of rains, which had shortened the tie.

Serengeti Girls were tasked to realize a revised target of 44 runs in 13 overs and they ultimately lived up to expectations- garnering 45/5 in 11 overs.

Even though Ngorongoro Girls could not foil Serengeti Girls' effort to reach the required total, Nzela Daniel had a standout display when the former fielded, given the performer grabbed a 3-7 in three overs.

Maria was another cricketer who made her presence felt during the squad's bowling stint, given she notched one wicket.

Serengeti Girls' key performer, Agness Joseph, wrapped up the squad's impressive day with a Player of the Match award, having propelled her team to victory with her 28 runs not out.

About five extra runs given away by Ngorongoro Girls improved Serengeti Girls' chase- as the bowling unit leaked five wides.

The TCA U-17 Women's Easter Series, hosted by the national cricket governing body, is an opportunity for youthful female cricketers to gauge their skills and seek an opportunity to win selection for the national women's junior team.

It also serves as one of the TCA's initiatives geared towards stepping up the promotion of the game in the country.

The showpiece, which got underway on April 2, involves four teams- namely Usambara Girls, Serengeti Girls, Kilimanjaro Girls, and Ngorongoro Girls- which take on each other in a round-robin format. 

In yesterday's fixture, slated to be held at UDSM ground, Kilimanjaro Girls came up against Ngorongoro Girls.

The national cricket body's Information Officer, Atif Salim, said the TCA U-17 Women's Easter Series has been slated to conclude today.

According to the official, the association has had some challenges due to rains, which have forced the organizers to push some fixtures forward.