Rain reigns supreme in Kigali

Kenya’s brilliance with the bat was in vain as the rain continued to get a chokehold of the results in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Qualifier Africa A in Kigali, Rwanda. The second match against Malawi turned up no result, the rains coming down with Kenya having bowled just an agonizing 19 balls in pursuit of a result.

For the second day in a row, both afternoon matches were abandoned without a result. Mali vs Sychelles was also abandoned just four overs after the latter had set 163 runs to win from their allotted overs. 

Kenya elected to bat and put on 6/209 in their allotment, spearheaded by Collins Obuya’s 44 off 16 balls and backed up by Rakep Patel’s 40 off 24 balls. Obuya put on a 64-run opening partnership with tournament debutant Pushkar Sharma (18) before he found Donnex Kansonkho at mid wicket off Mike Chaomba in the in the fifth over. Sharma followed him back to the pavillion, caught on the ropes while attempting to accelerate in the ninth over to have the scoreboard on 2/89.

The departure of both openers brought Patel's cameo into play, his partnership with Irfan Karim (32) adding 55 runs to the total in just five overs, the pair departing just seven balls apart at the close of the 13th and 14th.

All rounder Tanzeel Sheikh made a show of his debut innings at the middle of the batting order, registering 30 runs from 13 balls with three sixes and one boundary therein before his stumps were rattled by Daniel Jakiel as he attempted one too many in the 18th.

Sami Sohail was the pick of the bowlers amidst the carnage, returning 2/20 from his four overs that comprised of the wickets of Obuya and Karim, who was caught behind by Chisomo Chete.

The result meant that Kenya could only manage two point from their two matches, sharing the spoils with Malawi just like they did with St. Helena yesterday. This also leaves them placed third on the eight team log behind table toppers Rwanda who have won both their matches to cop up four points and Botswana who have bagged a win and a washed out draw.