Rwanda suffered their first defeat of the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup qualifying campaign after Nigeria beat the hosts by seven wickets in a dominant display at Gahanga Main Oval on Wednesday. Rwanda were bowled out for just 79 runs in 23.1 overs, failing to reproduce the strong batting performances that had powered them to convincing victories in their opening two matches. Nigeria made light work of the chase, reaching 84 for three in 15.2 overs to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory and strengthen their position in the qualification race. Kenneth Boniface sealed the win in style, hitting the decisive six to finish unbeaten on seven runs from five balls. Ali Rahmon top-scored for Nigeria with 24 runs off 38 balls, while Peculiar Egemasi added 19 off 20 deliveries as the visitors comfortably chased down their modest target. Rwanda’s batting struggled throughout the innings, with wickets falling at regular intervals and the hosts unable to build meaningful partnerships. Fabrice Kwizera was Rwanda’s leading scorer with 12 runs off 32 balls, while Cedrick Cyuzuzo contributed seven from 20 deliveries. Captain Jasper Nziza made five runs from 11 balls. The total of 79 left Nigeria needing just 80 runs for victory, a target they reached in only 15.2 overs. The defeat ended Rwanda’s unbeaten start to the tournament and increased the pressure on the hosts ahead of their remaining fixtures. Rwanda had opened their campaign in impressive fashion, crushing Mozambique by 322 runs before defeating Sierra Leone by 49 runs. Uganda’s unbeaten run continues Elsewhere, Uganda maintained their unbeaten record with a third consecutive victory, defeating Ghana by 175 runs to strengthen their position at the top of the standings. Uganda posted 270 for eight in 50 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat before bowling Ghana out for 95 in 41.5 overs. Their victory was inspired by an outstanding all-round performance from Abraiz Mir Ali, who scored 107 runs from 131 balls, including five fours, before taking two wickets. Uganda’s third successive win further strengthens their position at the top of the table and puts them in a strong position in the qualification race. Ghana, meanwhile, face a difficult battle to avoid elimination. They have two matches remaining against Rwanda and Nigeria and will need positive results in both games to keep their qualification hopes alive. Sierra Leone claim first win Sierra Leone also registered their first victory of the tournament, defeating Mozambique by eight wickets. Mozambique, who won the toss and opted to bat, were bowled out for 89 runs in 23.5 overs. Sierra Leone then comfortably chased down the target, reaching 93 for two in 13 overs. Aliya Kamara was the standout performer, producing an all-round display after scoring 52 runs from 47 balls, including nine fours, and also making an impact with the ball. The victory gives Sierra Leone a much-needed boost as the qualification race enters a crucial stage. For Rwanda, Thursday’s match against Ghana will be particularly important. Following their defeat to Nigeria, the hosts will be desperate to bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Rwanda will need a much-improved batting performance and greater consistency if they are to return to winning ways. Thursday’s fixtures 9:30am: Sierra Leone vs Uganda — Gahanga Main Oval 9:30am: Rwanda vs Ghana — Gahanga B Oval 9:30am: Mozambique vs Nigeria — RP-Kigali Oval
