CRICKET – Bahrain clinched victories over Malawi and Rwanda in their Tri-Nations T20 clashes in Kigali, Rwanda.
Playing at Gahanga International Stadium, Bahrain secured a convincing nine-wicket win over Malawi and then a seven-wicket triumph over Rwanda.
The visitors had to play two games back-to-back on the same day as per the T20i format in Rwanda.
Malawi was put into bat after Bahrain skipper Ahmer Bin Nasir won the toss and chose to chase the target, which seems to be the key on this pitch.
Malawi had a decent start with both the openers playing freely, not losing a wicket until 11 overs with Aftab Saeed scoring 45 runs off 39 balls and Sami Sohail scoring 60 off 53 balls.
But once they were out, the middle order collapsed and couldn’t capitalise on the good start.
Bahrain’s bowlers ensured they did not allow Malawi to finish on a high note, restricting the score to 139/7 in 20 Overs.
Bahrain then scored their runs comfortably in 15.1 overs, with the opening pair of Asif Ali and Prashant Kurup, and the loss of Prashant for 24 (24). They were well supported by Fiaz’s unbeaten 41 (30) and Asif Ali’s 63 (37).
In their following game, Rwanda won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored a modest total of 125/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with opener Didier Ndikubwimana scoring 39 (40) and Gumyusenge Daniel 46 (50) doing bulk of the scoring.
For Bahrain, after losing their openers, a surprise package from Imran Javed was promoted up the order.
He also surpassed 1,000 runs and top scored for the team with 43(39).
After his loss of wicket, in form Fiaz Ahmed 1 (1) along with Sohail Ahmed at the crease 34 (24) saw Bahrain win it with ease, finishing at 126/3 in just 18.1 overs.
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