Rwanda suffered their first defeat of the ICC Males’s U-19 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign after Nigeria beat the hosts by seven wickets in a dominant show at Gahanga Predominant Oval on Wednesday.
Rwanda had been bowled out for simply 79 runs in 23.1 overs, failing to breed the robust batting performances that had powered them to convincing victories of their opening two matches.
Nigeria made gentle work of the chase, reaching 84 for 3 in 15.2 overs to safe a cushty seven-wicket victory and strengthen their place within the qualification race.
Kenneth Boniface sealed the win in fashion, hitting the decisive six to complete unbeaten on seven runs from 5 balls.
Ali Rahmon top-scored for Nigeria with 24 runs off 38 balls, whereas Peculiar Egemasi added 19 off 20 deliveries because the guests comfortably chased down their modest goal.
Rwanda’s batting struggled all through the innings, with wickets falling at common intervals and the hosts unable to construct significant partnerships.
Fabrice Kwizera was Rwanda’s main scorer with 12 runs off 32 balls, whereas Cedrick Cyuzuzo contributed seven from 20 deliveries. Captain Jasper Nziza made 5 runs from 11 balls.
The overall of 79 left Nigeria needing simply 80 runs for victory, a goal they reached in solely 15.2 overs.
The defeat ended Rwanda’s unbeaten begin to the event and elevated the stress on the hosts forward of their remaining fixtures.
Rwanda had opened their marketing campaign in spectacular style, crushing Mozambique by 322 runs earlier than defeating Sierra Leone by 49 runs.
Uganda’s unbeaten run continues
Elsewhere, Uganda maintained their unbeaten report with a 3rd consecutive victory, defeating Ghana by 175 runs to strengthen their place on the prime of the standings.
Uganda posted 270 for eight in 50 overs after successful the toss and opting to bat earlier than bowling Ghana out for 95 in 41.5 overs.
Their victory was impressed by an excellent all-round efficiency from Abraiz Mir Ali, who scored 107 runs from 131 balls, together with 5 fours, earlier than taking two wickets.
Uganda’s third successive win additional strengthens their place on the prime of the desk and places them in a powerful place within the qualification race.
Ghana, in the meantime, face a tough battle to keep away from elimination. They’ve two matches remaining towards Rwanda and Nigeria and can want optimistic ends in each video games to maintain their qualification hopes alive.
Sierra Leone declare first win
Sierra Leone additionally registered their first victory of the event, defeating Mozambique by eight wickets.
Mozambique, who received the toss and opted to bat, had been bowled out for 89 runs in 23.5 overs.
Sierra Leone then comfortably chased down the goal, reaching 93 for 2 in 13 overs.
Aliya Kamara was the standout performer, producing an all-round show after scoring 52 runs from 47 balls, together with 9 fours, and likewise making an impression with the ball.
The victory offers Sierra Leone a much-needed enhance because the qualification race enters an important stage.
For Rwanda, Thursday’s match towards Ghana will likely be significantly vital. Following their defeat to Nigeria, the hosts will likely be determined to bounce again and maintain their qualification hopes alive.
With the event coming into its decisive section, Rwanda will want a much-improved batting efficiency and higher consistency if they’re to return to successful methods.
Thursday’s fixtures
9:30am: Sierra Leone vs Uganda — Gahanga Predominant Oval
9:30am: Rwanda vs Ghana — Gahanga B Oval
9:30am: Mozambique vs Nigeria — RP-Kigali Oval
