Sierra Leone put on a commanding performance at the Gymkhana Ground to secure their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier.
They convincingly defeated Malawi by 6 wickets after electing to bowl first. Captain Raymond Coker led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 4-21, ably supported by Sahr Lebbie who chipped in with 3-2.
Dramatic Collapse Costs Malawi After Promising Start
Malawi’s openers, Hamza Vayani and Philip Zuze, looked set for a strong showing with a 50-run partnership in the first 10 overs. However, their momentum was shattered by a sudden collapse, leaving them with just 52 runs on the board by the 15th over. They were eventually restricted to a paltry 102 all out in 32.3 overs.
Coker Stars with Bat and Ball for Sierra Leone
In response, Sierra Leone chased down the target comfortably in 30 overs, losing only 4 wickets. Raymond Coker, who shone with the ball earlier, top-scored with a steady 30 runs off 64 balls. This all-around performance from their captain secured a convincing victory for Sierra Leone.
Coker Thrilled with Performance and Team’s Achievement
Coker, rightfully named Player of the Match, expressed his delight: “Our decision to bowl first turned out perfectly, and I’m really pleased with my contribution today. Reaching the semi-finals is a fantastic accomplishment for the entire team.”
Disappointed Malawi Vow to Fight Back
Malawi’s captain, Bright Balala, acknowledged their shortcomings: “We made things difficult for ourselves by failing to capitalize on opportunities and put pressure on the Sierra Leone batsmen. We have one more match left, and we’ll keep fighting for a win.”
Rwanda Stages Comeback Against Botswana
Meanwhile, at the UDSM Ground, Rwanda bounced back from their opening defeat with a convincing win over Botswana. They opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 224 runs in their 50 overs. Chris Namuhoranye top-scored with a well-made 69 runs off 66 balls, while Yves Cyusa provided valuable support with a 47-run knock.
Solid Partnerships Lay Foundation for Rwanda’s Total
Rwanda’s innings were characterized by several crucial partnerships, something that was missing in their first game. The openers, Chris Namuhoranye and Jasper Nziza, laid a strong foundation with a 92-run stand. Later, Yves Cyusa and Patrick Imanirere added 52 runs, and a vital contribution in the lower order by Jean Imanishimwe and Confrance Rukundo (41 runs) helped push the total past 200.
Botswana’s Fightback Fizzles Out
In reply, Botswana showed some fight in their chase. Ayaan Chandra and Muhammed Chand steadied the innings with a 55-run partnership. However, Muhammed’s dismissal triggered a collapse, and Botswana were eventually bowled out for 121 runs, falling short by a significant margin.
Cyusa Takes Center Stage with All-Round Performance
Yves Cyusa was instrumental in Rwanda’s victory with a superb all-round performance. He not only chipped in with 2 crucial wickets for just 7 runs in his 4.2 overs but also played a handy knock with the bat. Elise Gihozo and Theoneste Hakuziyaremye also chipped in with 2 wickets each to restrict Botswana’s scoring. Deservedly, Cyusa was awarded the Player of the Match trophy for his well-rounded contribution.
Cyusa Happy to Contribute to Team’s Success
Reflecting on his performance, Cyusa said, “Winning this match was crucial for our tournament prospects. I’m glad I could make a difference with both bat and ball.”
Upcoming Fixtures
The excitement continues today with two crucial matches scheduled:
- Nigeria vs Ghana at UDSM Ground
- Tanzania vs Mozambique at Gymkhana Ground
Courtesy Photos
