Hamza Khan produced one of many standout innings of the ILT20 Continent Cup as Rwanda bounced again from consecutive defeats to Kenya and Uganda with a six-run DLS victory over Botswana on Sunday.
Khan smashed an unbeaten 93 off 48 balls, together with seven fours and 7 sixes, to energy the hosts to 183/9 at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B.
Botswana have been set a revised goal of 153 after rain diminished the match to 16 overs below the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) methodology. They reached 146/6, falling six runs brief.
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The consequence ended Rwanda’s two-match dropping run and saved their hopes of reaching the ultimate alive.
Khan turns frustration into fireworks
Rwanda wanted a powerful response, and Khan delivered.
The proper-hander got here to the crease after the early dismissal of captain Didier Ndikubwimana, who made 14 off 23 balls, and shortly shifted the momentum.
He struck seven fours and 7 sixes in his unbeaten 93, with a strike fee of 193.75. His efficiency earned him the Participant of the Match award.
“After the 2 losses in opposition to Kenya and Uganda, we wanted to bounce again and we did it properly at present,” Khan mentioned.
He mentioned the slim defeat to Kenya had not dented the workforce’s confidence.
“In opposition to Kenya we misplaced on the final ball, however general within the recreation we carried out properly. It’s not over but. We take this competitors severely and ensure to win the remaining video games.”
Botswana responded strongly within the shortened chase, led by Monroux Kasselman, who made 57 off 32 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes. Vinoo Balakrishnan added 37 off 25, whereas Valentine Mbazo scored 18.
Rwanda fought again via their bowlers, with Emile Rukiriza taking two wickets earlier than Martin Akayezu claimed a late breakthrough to finish Botswana’s hopes of forcing a Tremendous Over.
Race for the ultimate tightens
Earlier on Sunday, Kenya strengthened their place on the high of the desk with a nine-wicket win over Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone posted 112/9 earlier than Kenya raced to 116/1 in simply 8.1 overs, with Gurdeep Singh hitting an unbeaten 75 off 32 balls.
Kenya lead the standings with 10 factors, whereas Uganda and Rwanda have six every. Botswana have 4 factors, with Sierra Leone but to register one.
Rwanda’s victory places them again within the race for the ultimate, with Khan’s explosive innings offering a well timed increase to their marketing campaign.
