Cricket: Rwandan teams struggle as invitational tourney opens in Kigali

Rwanda’s cricket teams had a tough day at the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) Emerging Invitation Tournament as Uganda A and Zimbabwe Emerging teams delivered commanding performances at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium. Rwanda XI fell to Uganda A by seven wickets in the morning game, while Rwanda A suffered defeat against Zimbabwe Emerging by 35 runs in the afternoon. Despite flashes of brilliance, the home sides struggled to maintain consistency against their opponents. The RCA Emerging Invitational Tournament is an international friendly cricket competition featuring teams from Rwanda, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Running from November 21-29, the competition aims to provide emerging players with valuable international exposure while fostering cricket development across the region. The tournament opener saw Uganda A secure a win over Rwanda XI by seven wickets in a match that began at 9:30 AM. Electing to bat first, Rwanda XI set a target of 123 runs, thanks largely to a brilliant performance from Orchide Tuyisenge, who hit 68 runs off 54 balls. However, Uganda A's powerful batting proved the difference as they chased down the target with 10 balls to spare. Rwanda XI got off to a slow pace as Uganda A’s disciplined bowling kept the hosts under intense pressure. Despite early struggles, Tuyisenge held his ground with remarkable composure. He made seven boundaries and one six, demonstrating his ability to find gaps despite the tight fielding. Tuyisenge forged a crucial 50-run partnership with Daniel Gumyusenge, who added a patient 21 runs to stabilize the innings. However, the lower order faltered under the pressure of Uganda's consistent bowling, with Rwanda XI finishing at 122/7 in their 20 overs. Uganda’s bowlers, particularly Frank Nsubuga and Charles Waiswa, executed their plans effectively, with each taking two wickets and keeping the scoring rate in check. In response, Uganda A’s chase was well-calculated. Openers Roger Mukasa and Ronald Lutaaya built a solid foundation with a 51-run partnership. Mukasa’s knock of 46 runs off 41 balls was the highlight of the innings, combining patience with well-timed aggression. Lutaaya contributed 31 runs, ensuring Uganda stayed ahead in the chase. ALSO READ: Bimenyimana admits Rwanda’s batting needs quick fixing Extras also played a role, gifting Uganda A 11 runs. Pascal Murungi went on to seal the win with an unbeaten 26 runs, guiding Uganda to 123/3 in 18.2 overs. Despite the loss, Tuyisenge’s performance earned him the Most Valuable Player title, offering a silver lining for Rwanda XI in an otherwise challenging match. The second game of the day started at 1:30 PM and saw Zimbabwe Emerging claim a comfortable 35-run victory over Rwanda A. Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe Emerging posted an imposing total of 170/9 after 20 overs. Zimbabwe made a rapid start, reaching 50 runs in just 4.2 overs. Tshinga Bvudzijena Makoni anchored the innings with a well-paced 36 runs off 30 balls, while lower-order contributions from bowler-turned-batter Wishnay Nadine Chapfombo added crucial runs. Chapfombo’s 19-run not only bolstered the total but also set the stage for his outstanding performance with the ball later. Extras contributed 14 runs to Zimbabwe’s score, reflecting the need for sharper discipline in Rwanda’s bowling attack. Rwanda A’s bowlers did manage to take regular wickets, with Eric Niyomugabo leading the charge. He claimed two wickets while conceding 29 runs in his four-over spell. Despite their efforts, the bowling attack couldn’t prevent Zimbabwe from crossing the 150-run mark, with the innings ending at 170/9. In the chase, Rwanda A struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Early wickets pegged them back and, by the halfway stage, they had managed only 53 runs in 11 overs. Batter Christian Benihirwe offered a glimmer of hope with a quick-fire 40 off 24 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six. His aggressive approach kept Rwanda in contention, but the lack of support from other batters made the target insurmountable. Niyomugabo added an all-round performance, scoring 30 runs in the lower order, but Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Chapfombo, proved too formidable. Chapfombo’s three wickets and disciplined field placements kept Rwanda A’s batters under constant pressure. The chase concluded at 135/6, with Rwanda falling 35 runs short of the target.

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Cricket: Rwandan teams struggle as invitational tourney opens in Kigali