Challengers CC retain V.R NAIDU T20 crown

Challengers Cricket Club were on Saturday crowned champions of the V.R NAIDU T20 tournament for a record fourth time after defeating Right Guards by four runs at Kicukiro cricket ground. In a repeat of last year’s final, Right Guards won the toss and batted first; making 107 runs in the allotted 20 overs for the loss of 7 wickets. Right Guards captain Eric Dusingizimana was the opening batsman and was outstanding with 46 runs before he was bowled in the 17th over—he was ably supported by Jean Claude Siboniyo, who scored 23 runs in 22 balls. In reply, the defending champions made 111 runs in 17.5 overs. Ugandan international Siraj Nsubuga was unstoppable for Challengers as he made 34 runs off 20 balls and also took one catch. Daniel Ruyange took 3 wickets and was also unbeaten with 11 runs. Challengers have beaten Right Guards in all four finals since the competition was inaugurated in 2013. “I congratulate my teammates for a great performance today, the whole team performed according to our game plan,” said Srinath Vardhinen. In his remarks as the representative of the V.R NAIDU family, Srinath appreciated the Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) for the, “great work done in promoting the game in Rwanda,” and pledged to continue sponsoring this tournament for many years ahead. Elsewhere in the women category, White Clouds dominance was halted by Charity Cricket Club, who beat them in the final by 20 runs. All the teams that played in the finals of both men and women categories were awarded a trophy and Rwf100,000 and Rw50, 000 for the winners and first runners-up respectively. Also, the best players throughout the tournament in different areas were awarded: Impala Titans’ Davis Turinawe, who also happens to be the head coach of the senior national team, took the best batsman award after making 180 runs. Don Dieu Mugisha was named player of the series after making 160 runs and 12 wickets throughout the tournament while Freddie Ndayisenga was the best fielder, with 10 dismissals in total. In the women category, Cathia Umahoro of White Clouds Cricket Club was the player of the series—she made 133 runs, while Queens of Victory’s Diana Bimenyimana walked away with award of the best batter after scoring 120 runs. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Challengers CC retain V.R NAIDU T20 crown