Kenya and Tanzania start with contrasting wins
The opening game of the tournament saw Kenya showing their pedigree, as they had to chase a daunting target of 241. That they did, thanks in main to skipper Dhiren Gondaria, whose 90 from only 46 balls got the Kenyans a long way there.
His good work was supplemented by some quick contributions from the top-order, but Kenya still needed Shem Ngoche to hit three late sixes to see them home, with just three deliveries to spare.
In the Ugandan effort, Dinesh Nakrani smashed 88 not out from just 42 balls, with six sixes and eight fours, to lift his team to an incredible 240 for three. Nakrani shared a wonderful partnership with Riazat Ali Shah, who bludgeoned 74 not out from just 35 balls. The pair added 167 in just 12.5 overs, as the runs flowed freely.
In the second match of the day, the runs continued to flow, as Tanzania fell just short of notching 200 against the hosts
Man of the match Abhik Patwa slammed 56 from only 25 balls, with four sixes and seven fours in his boundary-laden cameo. That charge upfront allowed others to bat around him, and Tanzania were able to build a substantial total. Zamoyoni Jaboneke added gloss to the total with a breezy 43 from 25 balls, as Tanzania posted 197 for seven.
Amidst the carnage, Eric Dusabemungu bowled his steady medium-pace respectably, returning figures of two for 28 in his four overs. If the Rwandans were to pull off an unlikely win, they needed a fast start, with the required rate just short of 10 runs to the over. But they had a horror start, as Eric Dusingizimana was run out from the third ball of the match, thanks to sharp work from the alert Patwa.
It was Eric Niyomugabo who made the biggest impression for the hosts, with a solid 43 from 21 balls. He too was run out, however, and there was no real substance in the chase after that point. Tanzania eventually closed out a comfortable, 76-run victory.
In this morning’s fixture Uganda won the toss and chose to bat first against Tanzania.
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Fixtures:
Sunday 8th July
9:30am Uganda vs Tanzania
1:50pm Rwanda vs Kenya
Monday 9th July Reserve Day
Tuesday 10th July
9 30am Tanzania vs Kenya
1:50pm Uganda vs Rwanda
Wednesday 11th July
9:30am Tanzania vs Uganda
1:50pm Kenya vs Rwanda
Thursday 12th July Reserve Day
Friday 13th July
9:30am Kenya vs Tanzania
1:50pm Rwanda vs Uganda
Saturday 14th July
9:30am Tanzania vs Rwanda
1:50pm Uganda vs Kenya