Kenya women’s team captain Queentor Abel stands as a beacon of inspiration and hope to aspiring cricketers to chase their dreams.
Born and raised in the serene landscapes of Nakuru, Abel’s cricket journey began in 2011 at the tender age of 12.
“I was introduced to the sport through the ‘Cricket Without Boundaries’ initiative at Kisulisuli Primary School and my passion for cricket ignited like wildfire,” she said.
Under the guidance of coaches Francis Ndege and Joseph Sumba, her talent blossomed, leading her to join the Nakuru club.
Despite self-doubt in 2012 and 2013, she weathered every storm that came her way.
“My induction into the national team marked a pivotal moment in my career, propelling me towards greater heights,” she adds.
Reflecting on her journey, Abel acknowledges the invaluable support she received from her coaches and teammates.
“Their unwavering belief in my abilities fueled my determination to succeed, serving as the driving force behind my monumental achievements,” she explains.
In 2023, Abel’s stellar performance during the T20 World Cup Africa Regional Division Two Qualifier and Division One earned her the prestigious ICC Associate Woman Player of the Year award.
Abel humbly dedicated her award to her teammates, coaches, and club, recognizing their collective efforts in her success.
Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work, inspiring aspiring cricketers to chase their dreams relentlessly.
Abel’s pivotal role in the qualifiers underscored her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Looking ahead, she envisions herself featuring in the women’s Premier League five years from now, a testament to her unyielding ambition and unwavering determination.
With her eyes set on the future, Abel says she continues to embody the essence of Cricket Without Boundaries, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
Abel’s remarkable performance in the tournament concluded on March 10, where she secured the highest wicket tally with 13 wickets from five innings.
Alongside her bowling prowess, her exceptional batting skills positioned her as the top run-scorer, amassing 238 runs and achieving the highest strike rate of 149.68 from five innings.
Her partner in the opening wicket, Daisy Njoroge, followed closely with an impressive 173 runs from five innings, clinching the tournament’s best batting average of 86.50 runs.
Their outstanding performances didn’t just end with the tournament victory.
By triumphing in their respective semi-final fixtures, both teams earned qualification for the ICC 2023 T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier – Division One tournaments held in December in Entebbe.
