Kenya crushes Gambia to boost ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifying chances

Kenya's bowlers stole the show as Gerald Mwendwa's exceptional 5/7 performance guided the team to a dominant 129-run victory over Gambia in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B at Nairobi Gymkhana on Tuesday. This win keeps Kenya’s hopes high for advancing in the tournament.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Kenya faced an early setback with the run-out of Neil Mugabe on the very first ball. However, Pushkar Sharma anchored the innings with a steady 43 off 34 balls, while Rakep Patel led the charge, scoring a powerful 63 off 40 deliveries, including four boundaries and four sixes. Kenya posted a challenging total of 175/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Gambia’s Andre Jarju taking 3 wickets.

In their chase, Gambia struggled from the start against Kenya’s disciplined bowling. Mwendwa’s fiery spell left Gambia reeling as he quickly dismissed key batsmen, including Andre Jarju for 4. The Gambian lineup continued to crumble under pressure, with Frank Campbell and Ismaila Tamba falling cheaply. Sachin Bhudia chipped in with a spectacular 3/0 in 1.4 overs, while Shem Ngoche added 2/15, wrapping up Gambia's innings for just 46 runs in 12.4 overs.

The comprehensive win not only boosts Kenya's net run rate but also strengthens their position in the standings as they prepare for upcoming matches against Seychelles and Zimbabwe.

Match Summary

Kenya vs Gambia

Kenya won the toss and elected to bat first.

Kenya: 175/9 (20 Overs)

Gambia: 46/10 (12.4 Overs)

Kenya won by 129 runs.

Mozambique triumphs over Seychelles with a 60-run victory

Earlier in the day, Mozambique put in a strong all-round performance to defeat Seychelles by 60 runs at the Nairobi Gymkhana. Batting first, Mozambique set a target of 158/5, thanks to Fransisco Couana's crucial 47 off 35 balls. In response, Seychelles struggled against Mozambique’s disciplined bowling, folding for 98 in 18.5 overs. Dario Macome's 3/25 led Mozambique's attack, securing their first win of the tournament.

Zimbabwe stays unbeaten with a 149-run win over Rwanda

At Ruaraka Sports Club, Zimbabwe continued their unbeaten run by defeating Rwanda by 149 runs. After posting a massive 240/8, courtesy of Dion Myers' impressive 96 off 45 balls, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar Raza's 5/18, bundled out Rwanda for 91 runs in 18 overs. The victory keeps Zimbabwe at the top of the table.

Match summaries

Mozambique vs Seychelles

Mozambique won the toss and elected to bat first.

Mozambique: 158/5 (20 Overs)

Seychelles: 98/10 (18.5 Overs)

Mozambique won by 60 runs.

Zimbabwe vs Rwanda

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first.

Zimbabwe: 240/8 (20 Overs)

Rwanda: 91/10 (18 Overs)

Zimbabwe won by 149 runs.

Points Table

Upcoming Matches - Wednesday, 23rd October 2024

• Seychelles vs Kenya - 09:30 (EAT) - Ruaraka Sports Club
• Mozambique vs Rwanda - 13:50 (EAT) - Nairobi Gymkhana Club
• Gambia vs Zimbabwe - 13:50 (EAT) - Ruaraka Sports Club