CRICKET – Bahrain powered to an eight-wicket victory against hosts Rwanda yesterday in a Tri-Nations Series that also features Malawi.
The nationals won the toss and elected to field first at Gahanga International Stadium in the Rwandan capital city of Kigali.
Rwanda struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals against a disciplined Bahrain bowling attack. Opener Manishimwe Oscar (10 off 11) fell early, trapped by Ali Dawood, setting the tone for a difficult innings.
The middle order failed to build momentum, with Didier Ndikubwimana (42 off 38 balls) and Niyomugabo Isaie (13 off 35 balls) consuming too many dot deliveries without scoring freely. Ali Dawood (three wickets) and Muhammad Rizwan Butt (four wickets) were the chief destroyers, with Butt particularly lethal, taking four wickets while conceding just 12 runs in 3.4 overs.
Rwanda’s innings collapsed from 89/5 to 102 all out, losing their last five wickets for just 13 runs. Extras (12) were the second-highest contributor, highlighting the batting struggles.
Bahrain chased down the target comfortably, losing only two wickets. Asif Ali (26 off 25 balls) and Prashant Kurup (seven off 13 balls) started cautiously before Bimenyimana Zappy struck to remove Kurup.
However, Fiaz Ahmed (41 off 40 balls) and Sohail Ahmed (20 off 26 balls) ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding Bahrain to the eight-wicket victory with 16 balls to spare.
Rwanda’s batting had a lack of intent and poor shot selection, which led to their downfall, while Bahrain had a clinical performance in bowling, with Butt and Dawood dominating. In their chase, the Bahrainis played risk-free cricket, ensuring an easy win.
Butt was named the match’s Most Valuable Player with his four wickets and economical spell.
Bahrain are back in the oval today when they take on Malawi.
They are scheduled to play eight games leading up to the final on July 27.
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