Kenya end Rwanda’s final hopes at ILT20 Africa Continent Cup

Rwanda’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2026 ILT20 Africa Continent Cup suffered a blow on Tuesday after Kenya defeated the hosts by 32 runs at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali.

Rwanda won the toss and elected to field, but Kenya posted a competitive total of 189 for four from their 20 overs.

Rakep Patel anchored Kenya’s innings with a well-paced 57 off 48 balls, before Sukhdeep Singh provided the late acceleration with an unbeaten 57 off just 26 deliveries.

Singh’s explosive innings included four fours and four sixes and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Chasing 190 for victory, Rwanda made a promising start but struggled to maintain the required run rate as Kenya’s bowlers applied pressure during the latter stages of the innings.

The hosts eventually finished on 157 for six after 20 overs, leaving them 32 runs short of Kenya’s total.

Hamza Khan top-scored for Rwanda with 58 from 43 balls, while Daniel Gumyusenge added 28 from 26 deliveries.

Despite their efforts, Rwanda could not produce the late-innings acceleration needed to complete the chase.

The victory strengthened Kenya’s campaign in the tournament and marked their second win over Rwanda in the competition.

Kenya had previously defeated the hosts by two wickets after successfully chasing Rwanda’s total of 139 for eight.

Tuesday’s programme also produced a convincing victory for Uganda, who defeated Sierra Leone by eight wickets.

Sierra Leone were bowled out for just 55 in 17.4 overs, before Uganda reached 56 for two in seven overs to complete a dominant chase.

Uganda bowler Gerald Olipa was among the standout performers, taking three wickets for just one run.

The 2026 ILT20 Africa Continent Cup is being held in Kigali from 8 to 19 September, with all matches taking place at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.

The tournament features five teams — Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana and Sierra Leone — competing across 21 matches.

Uganda entered the competition as defending champions after winning the inaugural edition in Nairobi in 2023 and retaining the title in Kigali in 2024.

Rwanda began this year’s tournament strongly, defeating Botswana by 55 runs before recording a 145-run victory over Sierra Leone.

The competition provides an important platform for the participating nations to gain international T20 experience, develop emerging talent and strengthen their preparations for future continental and global cricket competitions.

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