Blantyre, October 12, 2024 – Malawi fought back in the fourth T20I of the series, defeating Rwanda by 6 wickets at the TCA Oval to level the series 2-2. Sami Sohail was the star of the match with a composed knock of 62* off 52 balls, guiding Malawi to a successful chase of 126.
Rwanda Struggles to Build Partnerships
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Rwanda could not build momentum as wickets fell regularly. Oscar Manishimwe provided an aggressive start with a quickfire 22 off 15 balls, but his dismissal in the fifth over by Bright Balala halted Rwanda’s progress.
Wicketkeeper-batter Didier Ndikubwimana (21 off 34) and Yves Cyusa (16 off 20) tried to stabilize the innings, but Malawi’s bowlers, particularly Moazzam Baig and Aaftab Limdawala, kept things tight. Baig claimed 2 wickets for just 13 runs in his 4 overs, while Limdawala picked up 2 for 21.
Despite a late cameo from Muhammad Nadir (11* off 6) and Zappy Bimenyimana (4* off 1), Rwanda could only manage 125/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Malawi’s bowlers performed as a unit, with all-round contributions limiting Rwanda to a sub-par total.
Sami Sohail’s Match-Winning Knock
Chasing 126, Malawi got off to a shaky start, losing both Gift Kansonkho (5 off 5) and captain Donnex Kansonkho (11 off 12) early to the bowling of Emile Rukiriza, leaving them at 24/2 within the first 4 overs.
However, Sami Sohail anchored the chase brilliantly, playing a measured yet commanding innings of 62* off 52 balls, hitting seven boundaries and two sixes. He was supported by Aaftab Limdawala (14 off 25) and Moazzam Baig (13 off 14), who helped steady the innings.
Sohail’s calm presence ensured that Malawi stayed on track despite losing wickets at crucial intervals. Rukiriza was the pick of the bowlers for Rwanda, taking 2/30 in his 4 overs, but his efforts were not enough to defend the total.
In the 19th over, Daniel Jakiel (4* off 4) helped Sohail seal the win with 8 balls to spare, taking Malawi to 128/4 and leveling the series.
Player of the Match: Sami Sohail
Sami Sohail was named Player of the Match for his match-winning 62*, which anchored Malawi’s successful chase and helped them stay alive in the series.
Series Decider Ahead
With the series now tied 2-2, the final T20I promises to be an exciting decider. Rwanda will look to regain their winning form, while Malawi will be aiming to complete a comeback and win the series.
Match Summary:
Rwanda: 125/8 in 20 overs (Oscar Manishimwe 22, Didier Ndikubwimana 21; Moazzam Baig 2/13, Aaftab Limdawala 2/21)
Malawi: 128/4 in 18.4 overs (Sami Sohail 62*, Aaftab Limdawala 14; Emile Rukiriza 2/30)
Malawi won by 6 wickets
Series: Level 2-2
