Yves Cyusa produced a performance worthy of Player of the Match, but Rwanda were left to rue a tense finish as Kenya edged them by two wickets in the Africa Continental Cup at Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B on Wednesday. The hosts, who had opened their campaign with a 55-run victory over Botswana, posted 139/8 in 20 overs after being put under pressure by Kenya’s bowling attack. Kenya, despite losing wickets at regular intervals, held their nerve to reach 144/8 in 20 overs and complete a narrow victory in a contest that went down to the final moments. Cyusa was Rwanda’s standout performer, making a significant impact with both bat and ball. ALSO READ: Ndikubwimana, Khan power Rwanda past Botswana in ILT20 ... The all-rounder first helped Rwanda recover from a difficult start with a valuable 25 off 21 balls, including two fours and a six. His contribution became even more significant with the ball, as he claimed 4/13 from three overs, repeatedly giving the hosts hope of defending their total. Captain Didier Ndikubwimana made 23 from 22 balls, striking four boundaries, before he was stumped by Sachin Ngoche. The dismissal ended his innings after he failed to reproduce the match-winning form that saw him score 69 in Rwanda’s opening match. David Uwimana provided much-needed impetus, scoring 35 from 26 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Cyusa then added his 25 before late contributions from Ignace Ntirenganya, who finished unbeaten on 16 from 13 balls, and Muhammad Nadir, who smashed an unbeaten 15 from just six deliveries. Their late partnership lifted Rwanda to 139/8 — a competitive total, but one that left little room for error. Kenya’s chase initially appeared to be under Rwanda’s control. Rushab Patel scored 23 from 21 balls before Emile Rukiriza removed him, while Rwanda captain Ndikubwimana was also involved in the dismissal of one of Kenya’s openers. But Dhiren Gondaria changed the complexion of the chase. The Kenya captain produced a composed 54 from 40 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. His innings provided Kenya with the stability they needed as wickets continued to fall around him. Rakep Patel added 14 before being trapped lbw by Muhammad Nadir, while Sachin Gill contributed 23 from 20 balls before Martin Akayezu dismissed him. Kenya eventually crossed the line at 144/8, denying Rwanda a second consecutive victory and handing the hosts their first defeat of the tournament. For Rwanda, the defeat will sting because their bowling attack repeatedly created opportunities. Cyusa’s four wickets ensured Kenya never enjoyed a comfortable chase, but the hosts could not produce the final breakthrough when it mattered most. Uganda crush Sierra Leone At Gahanga Cricket Stadium Oval B, Uganda produced the day’s most dominant display, crushing Sierra Leone by 114 runs after posting a formidable 250/3 in 20 overs. Charles Musemeza led the charge with a blistering 89 off 57 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes, before Olipa Gerald took the attack apart at the other end. Gerald smashed an unbeaten 83 from just 34 balls, including nine sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 244.11. Sierra Leone never came close to matching Uganda’s scoring rate, finishing on 136/4 from their 20 overs. The result underlined Uganda’s status as defending champions and sent a strong warning to the rest of the field. Fixtures — Thursday, 10 September 9:30 AM: Uganda vs Botswana — Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Oval B 2:00 PM: Rwanda vs Sierra Leone — Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Oval B
