Rwanda continued their spectacular begin to the 2026 ICC Males's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier A with a dramatic two-wicket victory over Kenya in Gaborone, Botswana, on Monday.
In a tense contest performed on the Botswana Cricket Affiliation Oval 1, Kenya elected to bat first and posted 101/9 of their 20 overs earlier than Rwanda efficiently chased down the goal, reaching 102/8 in 17.3 overs.
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Martin Akayezu was named Participant of the Match after producing a match-winning innings of 38 runs off simply 21 balls at an excellent strike charge of 180.95, guiding Rwanda over the road below stress.
After starring in Rwanda’s opening victory in opposition to Cameroon, Hamza Khan as soon as once more supplied an aggressive begin with 18 runs from 14 deliveries, together with 4 boundaries, whereas David Uwimana added a beneficial 13 off 13 balls as Rwanda’s center order battled via tense moments to safe victory.
For Kenya, wicketkeeper Irfan Karim scored 17 runs off 27 balls, whereas Subham Patel contributed 24 off 27 deliveries to assist the aspect attain 101/9. Sachin Gill additionally performed an important late innings, smashing 33 runs off 24 balls at a strike charge of 137.50 to push Rwanda deep into the chase.
Regardless of dropping wickets at common intervals, Rwanda held their nerve within the closing phases to assert a big victory in opposition to one of many event favourites.
Talking after the match, Rwanda captain Didier Ndikubwimana admitted Kenya had pushed his aspect to the restrict and praised Akayezu’s decisive contribution.
“It was a tricky recreation, and truthfully we made it troublesome for ourselves within the center overs. However what I’m pleased with is the character this group confirmed,” he stated.
“We didn’t panic. We knew chasing this goal was nonetheless doable if we stayed disciplined. The message within the center was easy — keep calm, rotate the strike, and rebuild step-by-step.”
Ndikubwimana credited Akayezu’s innings for shifting momentum again in Rwanda’s favour.
“Martin’s aggressive 38 off 21 balls fully modified the vitality within the dressing room and on the sphere. It lifted everybody and all of a sudden the stress went again onto Kenya.”
The victory means Rwanda stay unbeaten of their final three qualifying matches.
