Cricket: Rwanda beat Ghana to advance in U19 World Cup qualifiers

Rwanda secured a place in the next stage of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifiers after beating Ghana by 43 runs in a closely contested fourth-round match.

Rwanda won the toss and elected to bat first, but Ghana’s bowlers made life difficult for the hosts from the outset.

The boy struggled to build partnerships and were eventually bowled out for 136 in 33.3 overs, leaving Ghana needing 137 runs to claim victory.

Despite the modest total, Rwanda’s bowlers responded strongly in the second innings.

They maintained pressure on Ghana’s batters and regularly took wickets, preventing their opponents from establishing the momentum required to chase down the target.

Ghana were eventually bowled out for 93 in 30.4 overs, giving Rwanda a 43-run victory and, more importantly, securing their qualification for the next stage.

The result was a significant achievement for Rwanda after a difficult first innings.

Their ability to defend 136 demonstrated the strength of their bowling attack and their composure under pressure.

Elsewhere, Uganda continued their impressive campaign with a 98-run victory over Sierra Leone at Gahanga International Stadium.

Uganda batted first and posted 152 before being bowled out in 45.3 overs.

Sierra Leone struggled badly in their chase as Uganda’s bowlers dismantled their batting line-up.

Sierra Leone were dismissed for just 54 in 28.4 overs, handing Uganda another convincing victory and maintaining their position at the top of the standings.

Nigeria also produced the biggest winning margin of the day, defeating Mozambique by 407 runs at the IPRC Kigali International Cricket Ground.

Nigeria dominated the first innings, scoring 461 runs from their allotted 50 overs. Mozambique managed to take six Nigerian wickets but were unable to contain the scoring rate.

Chasing 462 for victory, Mozambique collapsed under sustained pressure from Nigeria’s bowling attack.

They were bowled out for only 54 runs in 23 overs, giving Nigeria a remarkable 407-run victory.

With the fourth round now complete, Uganda lead the standings with eight points.

Nigeria and Rwanda follow on six points each, while Sierra Leone and Ghana have two points apiece.

Mozambique remain at the bottom without a victory.

Tomorrow will be a rest day before the competition reaches its final round on Saturday, when the remaining teams will battle for their final positions and qualification places.

Rwanda will face Uganda at Gahanga International Stadium, while Nigeria take on Sierra Leone.

Mozambique will meet Ghana at the IPRC Kigali International Cricket Ground, with all three matches scheduled to begin at 9:30am.

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