Yves Cyusa produced a efficiency worthy of Participant of the Match, however Rwanda have been left to rue a tense end as Kenya edged them by two wickets within the Africa Continental Cup at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B on Wednesday.
The hosts, who had opened their marketing campaign with a 55-run victory over Botswana, posted 139/8 in 20 overs after being put underneath strain by Kenya’s bowling assault.
Kenya, regardless of shedding wickets at common intervals, held their nerve to succeed in 144/8 in 20 overs and full a slender victory in a contest that went right down to the ultimate moments.
Cyusa was Rwanda’s standout performer, making a major impression with each bat and ball.
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The all-rounder first helped Rwanda recuperate from a tough begin with a beneficial 25 off 21 balls, together with two fours and a six.
His contribution turned much more vital with the ball, as he claimed 4/13 from three overs, repeatedly giving the hosts hope of defending their complete.
Captain Didier Ndikubwimana made 23 from 22 balls, hanging 4 boundaries, earlier than he was stumped by Sachin Ngoche. The dismissal ended his innings after he failed to breed the match-winning kind that noticed him rating 69 in Rwanda’s opening match.
David Uwimana supplied much-needed impetus, scoring 35 from 26 balls, together with three fours and two sixes.
Cyusa then added his 25 earlier than late contributions from Ignace Ntirenganya, who completed unbeaten on 16 from 13 balls, and Muhammad Nadir, who smashed an unbeaten 15 from simply six deliveries.
Their late partnership lifted Rwanda to 139/8 — a aggressive complete, however one which left little room for error.
Kenya’s chase initially gave the impression to be underneath Rwanda’s management.
Rushab Patel scored 23 from 21 balls earlier than Emile Rukiriza eliminated him, whereas Rwanda captain Ndikubwimana was additionally concerned within the dismissal of one in all Kenya’s openers.
However Dhiren Gondaria modified the complexion of the chase.
The Kenya captain produced a composed 54 from 40 balls, hitting 5 fours and three sixes. His innings supplied Kenya with the steadiness they wanted as wickets continued to fall round him.
Rakep Patel added 14 earlier than being trapped lbw by Muhammad Nadir, whereas Sachin Gill contributed 23 from 20 balls earlier than Martin Akayezu dismissed him.
Kenya ultimately crossed the road at 144/8, denying Rwanda a second consecutive victory and handing the hosts their first defeat of the match.
For Rwanda, the defeat will sting as a result of their bowling assault repeatedly created alternatives. Cyusa’s 4 wickets ensured Kenya by no means loved a snug chase, however the hosts couldn’t produce the ultimate breakthrough when it mattered most.
Uganda crush Sierra Leone
At Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B, Uganda produced the day’s most dominant show, crushing Sierra Leone by 114 runs after posting a formidable 250/3 in 20 overs.
Charles Musemeza led the cost with a blistering 89 off 57 balls, hitting eight fours and 5 sixes, earlier than Olipa Gerald took the assault aside on the different finish.
Gerald smashed an unbeaten 83 from simply 34 balls, together with 9 sixes, at a staggering strike fee of 244.11.
Sierra Leone by no means got here near matching Uganda’s scoring fee, ending on 136/4 from their 20 overs.
The outcome underlined Uganda’s standing as defending champions and despatched a robust warning to the remainder of the sector.
Fixtures — Thursday, 10 September
9:30 AM: Uganda vs Botswana — Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Oval B
2:00 PM: Rwanda vs Sierra Leone — Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Oval B
