Rwanda continued their spectacular begin to the 2026 ICC Males's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier A with a dramatic two-wicket victory over Kenya in Gaborone, Botswana, on Monday.
In a tense contest performed on the Botswana Cricket Affiliation Oval 1, Kenya elected to bat first and posted 101/9 of their 20 overs earlier than Rwanda efficiently chased down the goal, reaching 102/8 in 17.3 overs.
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Martin Akayezu was named Participant of the Match after producing a match-winning innings of 38 runs off simply 21 balls at an excellent strike fee of 180.95, guiding Rwanda over the road below strain.
After starring in Rwanda’s opening victory towards Cameroon, Hamza Khan as soon as once more supplied an aggressive begin with 18 runs from 14 deliveries, together with 4 boundaries, whereas David Uwimana added a invaluable 13 off 13 balls as Rwanda’s center order battled by means of tense moments to safe victory.
For Kenya, wicketkeeper Irfan Karim scored 17 runs off 27 balls, whereas Subham Patel contributed 24 off 27 deliveries to assist the facet attain 101/9. Sachin Gill additionally performed an important late innings, smashing 33 runs off 24 balls at a strike fee of 137.50 to push Rwanda deep into the chase.
Regardless of dropping wickets at common intervals, Rwanda held their nerve within the closing levels to say a major victory towards one of many match favourites.
Talking after the match, Rwanda captain Didier Ndikubwimana admitted Kenya had pushed his facet to the restrict and praised Akayezu’s decisive contribution.
“It was a troublesome sport, and truthfully we made it tough for ourselves within the center overs. However what I’m happy with is the character this crew confirmed,” he stated.
“We didn’t panic. We knew chasing this goal was nonetheless doable if we stayed disciplined. The message within the center was easy — keep calm, rotate the strike, and rebuild step-by-step.”
Ndikubwimana credited Akayezu’s innings for shifting momentum again in Rwanda’s favour.
“Martin’s aggressive 38 off 21 balls utterly modified the power within the dressing room and on the sector. It lifted everybody and immediately the strain went again onto Kenya.”
The victory means Rwanda stay unbeaten of their final three qualifying matches.
