Rwanda will face Nigeria on Wednesday, August 12, in one in every of their most vital matches of the ICC Males’s U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2, with victory probably placing the hosts inside touching distance of qualification for the following stage.
Rwanda received their opening two matches of the six-nation qualifying event, defeating Mozambique by 322 runs earlier than overcoming Sierra Leone by 49 runs. Nigeria, in the meantime, bounced again from a five-wicket defeat to Uganda of their opening match by beating Ghana by 5 wickets of their second outing.
That restoration means Nigeria will present a a lot more durable check for the hosts, with each side totally conscious of the significance of Wednesday’s encounter as they battle for one of many three out there qualification locations.
ALSO READ: Rwanda edge Sierra Leone to keep up excellent begin to U19 World Cup qualifier
Bugingo calls for self-discipline
For Rwanda head coach Kenneth Bugingo, self-discipline and endurance shall be essential in opposition to a Nigerian aspect he expects to play an aggressive model of cricket.
“One of many issues we have to do in opposition to the Nigerians is easy issues. We simply should be disciplined when it comes to our strains, relating to the ball and the attacker positioning. We have to respect the sport,” Bugingo stated.
He believes Rwanda should additionally spend extra time on the crease and keep away from giving Nigeria alternatives to dictate the match.
“Nigeria have an excellent attacking recreation. They’re good guys. We simply should be extra disciplined and respect each second we play in opposition to them,” he added.
Bugingo sees the match as an vital measure of how far his younger staff has progressed.
“That is our third match, and I believe this is without doubt one of the vital ones. We have to play for longer intervals. The gamers must benefit from the recreation, play for longer intervals and ensure they’ll put runs on the board.”
ALSO READ: Rwanda able to launch U19 World Cup qualification marketing campaign at dwelling
Nziza cautious of Nigeria’s tempo assault
Rwanda captain Jasper Nziza can be anticipating a special problem from Nigeria, notably from their quick bowlers.
Having featured within the earlier qualifiers, Nziza has an thought of what to anticipate from the West Africans.
“As I performed within the final qualifiers, the most important menace was their quick bowlers. However I don’t know what it will likely be like this time,” he stated.
Nziza acknowledged Nigeria’s bodily benefit however insisted Rwanda wouldn’t permit it to have an effect on their strategy.
“Initially, they’re bodily match and taller, which may make us afraid and make us assume they’re stronger. However we belief our course of. We’ll watch for one ball at a time.”
If Rwanda win the toss, the captain stated they would favor to bat first and set a difficult goal.
“Our plan is to win the toss and select to bat first, after which set 300 runs and above.”
With qualification probably inside attain, Nziza urged his teammates to stay targeted on the fundamentals.
“Keep targeted, be disciplined, respect the opponent, be fearless and play the cricket we’ve been practising.”
Requested what victory would imply for Rwanda’s qualification hopes, he remained cautious.
“If we win tomorrow’s recreation, we may probably qualify. However I believe let’s watch for the outcomes.”
Nigeria decided to construct momentum
Nigeria head coach Daniel Gim believes his gamers have grown all through the event after recovering from their opening defeat with a victory over Ghana.
The Nigerian squad has additionally blended youthful gamers with extra skilled members, making a aggressive surroundings throughout the staff.
“The primary recreation was fairly powerful. We misplaced, however we found out the best way to do our greatest in opposition to Ghana. We combined the gamers we chosen from the Underneath-17s with extra skilled guys. The depth was fairly excessive, as there have been each skilled gamers and new abilities,” Gim stated.
Gim stated his gamers perceive the importance of the Rwanda encounter and what’s at stake.
“They know the prize. They know what they’re making ready for, and this recreation with Rwanda may also depend. Their minds are targeted on that aim.”
With Rwanda unbeaten after two matches and Nigeria having recovered from their opening setback, Wednesday’s conflict guarantees to be a pivotal encounter within the race for the three qualification locations.
Fixtures Wednesday, August 12
9:30AM: Nigeria Vs Rwanda (Gahanga Principal Oval)
9:30AM: Mozambique Vs Sierra Leone (Gahanga B Oval)
9:30AM: Uganda Vs Ghana (RP-Kigali Oval)
Standings
1- Uganda 4 factors (4637 NRR)
2- Rwanda 4 factors (3710 NRR)
3- Nigeria 2 factors (0.692 NRR)
4- Ghana 2 factors (0.386 NRR)
5 – Sierra Leone 0 factors (-1.790 NRR)
6- Mozambique 0 factors (-7.060 NRR)
*NRR: Web Run Charge
