Right Guards cricket club have increased their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of this year’s Naidu T20 tournament after defeating favourites Indorwa on Sunday at Kicukiro cricket oval.

Indorwa, who had won their first two games in the tournament, had high hopes of stretching their good form before they were humbled by Right Guards, who lost their first game against Kigali cricket club.

Indorwa won the toss and batted first; making 61 runs all out in 15.5 overs, with Nayan Patel as their outstanding performer, making 19 runs in 33 balls—he also took one wicket. Dhaval Patel added 16 runs in 16 balls.

In reply, Right Guards cruised to the set target of 63 runs in 11.1 overs, thanks to team captain Eric Dusingizimana whose selfless efforts ensured the success of the team.

The Rwandan international put on 17 runs in 35 balls. On the road to victory, Derick Bayingana also added 13 runs in 8 balls for the Right Guards.

"I appreciate the effort and the commitment of the whole team, all the players were very focused considering the fact that we had not won any game since the tournament started,” said Dusingizimana.

He added that, "Our target is not to just qualify for the semis but to go up to final and win the tournament.”

His counterpart of Indorwa, Mihir Bhatt was not gutted by the performance of the team but expressed optimism that they will dust themselves and perform better in the next games.

"Right Guards is a very good team with great and experienced players, I congratulate them upon their victory, but we are determined to secure victory in the remaining games,” he said.

Indorwa remains on top of Pool A with eight points in three games followed by Kigali Warriors with 4 points from two games and Right Guards are in third position with 4 points in two games. Other teams in this pool include Kigali cricket club and Victory CC.

Pool B is comprised of Challengers CC, which is on top with 4 points in two games followed by Impara on 4 points, level with third-placed Kelera Hunters while Terugu CC are bottom without a point, having lost their two games. The top two teams from each pool will face off in the semi-finals.

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