Wednesday, October 23 Rwanda v Mozambique Rwanda: 86/8 (20 Overs) Mozambique: 87/3 (15.1 Overs) Mozambique won by 7 wickets Mozambique secured an enjoyable 7-wicket victory over Rwanda in their T20 Africa Qualifier encounter, chasing down a modest target of 87 runs with ease at Nairobi Gymkhana Ground. Rwanda’s top order collapsed under pressure from Mozambique’s disciplined bowling attack and remarkable ‘give-it-your-all’ fielding attack. Clinton Rubagumya, the Rwandan skipper, was the only batter to put up some resistance, scoring 28 off 42 deliveries. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Rwanda got stranded and surprised by their opponents at 86/8 in their 20 overs. Mozambique’s bowlers were instrumental, with Francisco Couana leading the attack with aneconomical spell of 4 overs, conceding just 6 runs and picking 2 crucial wickets. Joao Hou was equally effective, claiming 3/13 and tightening the noose around Rwanda’s batting. Muhammad Nadir and Israel Mugisha showed flashes of resistance down the batting order, but they struggled to add the figures to put up a competitive total. Chasing 87, Mozambique’s batters approached the target with patience. Although they lost Lourenco Salomone early for 5, Joao Hou steadied the innings with a composed 25 off 30 balls. The chase was completed comfortably, thanks to Francisco Couana’s all-round brilliance, as he remained unbeaten on 31 off 25 balls, guiding Mozambique to 87/3 in 15.1 overs. Muhammad Nadir was Rwanda’s best bowler, picking up 2/15, but his efforts were swallowed by Mozambique who completed the win with plenty of overs to spare.
