Rwanda Secures Walkover Win as Kenya and Zimbabwe Prevail in T20 Qualifiers
Rwanda benefited from a walkover victory after Gambia failed to show up for their match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B. Kenya overwhelmed Mozambique by 111 runs, and Zimbabwe defeated Seychelles by 76 runs, putting both teams in a strong position in the tournament.
In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B, Rwanda secured a walkover victory against Gambia, as the Gambian team did not arrive at the designated venue in time for their scheduled match on Saturday, October 19. The match was set to commence at 9:30 AM at the Gymkhana Club, but due to the absence of the Gambian players, the umpire declared Rwanda the winner, awarding them the full points corresponding to two. Following this unexpected development, Rwanda is poised to face Seychelles at Ruaraka Sports Club on Sunday. In another remarkable match, the host nation, Kenya, triumphed over Mozambique by a substantial 111 runs, utilizing the DLS method after inclement weather. Rakep Patel’s outstanding performance, scoring 120 runs off merely 55 balls, was pivotal as he steadied the innings after Kenya lost two wickets early. With additional contributions from Sachin Bhudia and Dhiren Gondaria, who scored 38 and 28 runs respectively, Kenya set a formidable target of 224 runs. Kenya’s captain, Shem Ngoche, exhibited commendable bowling skills, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs, which further restricted Mozambique to a mere 76 runs in a rain-shortened match. Moreover, Zimbabwe commenced their participation in the tournament with a decisive 76-run victory over Seychelles at Nairobi Gymkhana Ground. They showcased their batting prowess, accumulating an impressive total of 286 runs for 5 wickets within 20 overs. Brian Bennett emerged as the star performer, amassing 91 runs from just 35 deliveries, while Tadiwanashe Marumani contributed a significant 86 runs off 37 balls. In response, Seychelles faltered early, and their innings fell short following rain interruptions, leading to their defeat under the DLS method. This strong start positions Zimbabwe favorably in their quest for qualification, while Seychelles will need to reevaluate their strategy before their next encounter.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B serves as an important stage for African cricket teams vying for a spot in the larger tournament. The competition features multiple nations, including Rwanda, Gambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Seychelles, and aims to highlight the developing cricket landscape in Africa. Through this qualifier, teams not only compete for a place in the World Cup but also gain valuable experience in international play, contributing to the growth of the sport across the continent.
In summary, Rwanda was awarded an unopposed victory against Gambia, while Kenya and Zimbabwe claimed significant wins in their respective matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B. The tournament continues to unfold, showcasing emerging talent and competitive spirit among African cricket teams. As Rwanda prepares to battle Seychelles, both Kenya and Zimbabwe have established strong standings in pursuit of their World Cup ambitions.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
