Uganda concede 41 of last 2 overs of Kenyan innings to lose by 1 run
Selemani and Jasani smash Tanzania to 187 to upset Kenya
Rain spoils Nigeria’s chase of 148 against Uganda
Tanzania ease past Nigeria to claim 6 wicket victory
Tanzania made a perfect start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday.
Two wins from their two matches on the opening day saw them make an early statement of intent, headlined by a clinical, 49-run victory over Kenya in the afternoon game.
That win was built on the sparkling 90 not out struck by Arshan Jasani, off just 52 balls. Jasani hammered four sixes and seven boundaries in his assault on the Kenyans..
He got help from Ivan Selemani, who blazed 40 from just 21 balls, as Tanzania hurried to 187 for five.
In response, Kenya fell away to 138 all out, with the asking rate proving too much. Riziki Kiseto took four for 17, to shut the door on the chase early.
In their earlier contest, Tanzania kept Nigeria to just 114 for nine, with Sanjay Kumar Thakor snaring three for 14.
In response, Tanzania hurried to their target, with Abhik Patwa (36) and Kassim Nassoro (31 not out) ensuring the six wicket win with 41 balls to spare.
In the most dramatic match of the day, Kenya outlasted Uganda by a single run. Kenya notched 161 for five, with veteran Collins Obuya (44) and Irfan Karim (36 from 36 balls) laying the foundation, before Patel clattered 28 not out from just 12 balls.
Defending 161, the Kenyans were ran desperately close by Dinesh Nakrani’s outrageous 67 from just 32 balls. An incredible eight sixes flew off his bat, as he and Deusdehit Muhumuza (59 not out) got desperately close. But, when Nakrani fell with four overs left, Kenya breathed a sigh of relief.
In the fourth match of the day, rain ruined a promising contest between Uganda and Nigeria. The former had posted 147 for nine, with solid contributions from Riazat Ali Shah (39 from 25 balls) and a cameo from Dinesh Nakrani (37 not out from 22 balls).
Rain then ruined Nigeria’s pursuit of the target, as they could only get 9.2 overs in. At the time the match was finally called off, they were still 12 runs shy of the revised target.
Catch all the action live streamed through ICC.tv
Scores in brief:
Kenya v Tanzania
Tanzania 187 for five in 20 overs (A Jasani 90 not out, I Selemani 40)
Kenya 138 all out in 18.4 overs (A Obanda 47, R Patel 38, R Kiseto four for 17, K Nassaro three for 6)
Tanzania won by 49 runs
Nigeria v Uganda
Uganda 147 for nine (R Shah 39, D Nakrani 37 not out)
Nigeria 50 for two in 9.2 overs
Uganda won by 12 runs (D/L Method)
Nigeria v Tanzania
Nigeria 114 for nine in 20 overs (A Shreshta 26, K Thakor three for 14)
Tanzania 117 for four in 13.1 overs (A Patwa 36, K Nassaro 31 not out)
Tanzania won by six wickets
Kenya 161 for five (C Obuya 44, I Karim 36, F Nsubuga two for 7)
Uganda 160 for seven in 20 overs (D Nakrani 67, D Muhumuza 59 not out, E Otieno three for 18)
Kenya won by one run.
