Zimbabwe secured a hard earned 61-run victory over Kenya in the final match of the T20 Africa Qualifier, wrapping up a strong tournament performance.
Zimbabwe, opting to bat first, started with promise but were jolted early when the furious left-arm-medium-fast Lucas Oluoch 4/37 dismissed Brian Bennett for 13 and Dion Myers for a duck in quick succession. Tadiwanashe Marumani, after a steady 14, also fell cheaply, leaving Zimbabwe at 40/3 inside the powerplay.
Sikandar Raza’s composed 27 and Ryan Burl’s explosive 61 off 43 balls restored momentum for Zimbabwe. Burl’s aggressive knock, featuring five boundaries and a six, was instrumental in taking Zimbabwe to a respectable total of 163/7.
In response, Kenya’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing wickets frequently. Trevor Gwandu 3/10 and Sikandar Raza 3/17 tore through the Kenyan lineup. Pushkar Sharma (9), Dhiren Gondaria (4), and Rushab Patel (5) were all dismissed cheaply, leaving Kenya in dire straits at 34/4 within the first six overs.
Rakep Patel (12) and Sachin Gill (13) tried to anchor the ship, but the Zimbabwean bowlers kept the waves coming harder by striking at crucial moments. Brandon Mavuta 2/18 also contributed to the collapse, taking the wickets of Sachin Gill and Irfan Karim (16).
Kenya’s lower order offered minimal resistance, with only Lucas Oluoch showing some fight, hitting a brisk 24 off 19 balls, but once he was caught off Gwandu in the 19th over, Kenya’s innings folded for just 102 in 19.1 overs. The Zimbabwean bowlers were clinical, backed by sharp fielding that kept Kenya under constant pressure throughout the innings.
With this comprehensive victory, Zimbabwe capped off the tournament in style, their dominant display underlining their strength in the competition.
Sikandar Raza’s all-round performance which earned him player of the tournament, coupled with Ryan Burl’s batting heroics, set the stage for a convincing win and highlighted Zimbabwe’s superior depth in both departments.
Mozambique Triumph Over Gambia in a Thrilling Chase
Mozambique clinched their third consecutive victory in the T20 Africa Qualifier, defeating Gambia by six wickets. Francisco Couana’s impressive 76* led the chase, as Mozambique comfortably surpassed Gambia’s target of 143.
Gambia’s innings was anchored by Muhammed Manga and Asim Ashraf, who put on 48 for the first wicket. Abubacarr Kuyateh’s 33 and Ismaila Tamba’s 20* propelled Gambia to 142/5. Mozambique’s Filipe Cossa and Camate Roposo kept the scoring in check with economical bowling.
Mozambique’s chase started slowly, losing early wickets. However, Francisco Couana’s brilliant knock and Agostinho Navicha’s support guided Mozambique to victory in 18.5 overs.
Rwanda defeats Seychelles at Ruaraka Sports Club
Rwanda emerged victorious in their match against Seychelles, posting a total of 146/9. Isae Niyomugabo top-scored with 39, while Yves Cyusa and Clinton Rubagumya also contributed valuable runs.
Seychelles’ chase was stifled by early wickets and disciplined bowling from Rwanda. Yves Cyusa’s 3/6 and Emile Rukiriza’s 2/18 were key in limiting Seychelles to 102 all out.
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