Kenya vs Rwanda Game 5 – KENYA – RWANDA BILATERAL SERIES 2024
Rwanda claimed the series victory with a dominant performance in Game 5, winning by 18 runs and securing a 4-1 series triumph over Kenya. The final match of the KENYA – RWANDA BILATERAL SERIES 2024 was held on September 14, 2024, at the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi, where Rwanda’s balanced effort with both bat and ball overwhelmed the Kenyan side.
Match Summary
Rwanda opted to bat after winning the toss and posted 110 runs before being bowled out in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a modest total, Rwanda’s bowling attack stifled Kenya’s chase, bundling them out for 92 runs in 17.2 overs. This 18-run victory gave Rwanda a well-deserved win and sealed the series.
Rwanda’s Innings: Best Performers
Rwanda’s innings was anchored by their captain, Bimenyimana Marie Diane, who scored 35 runs off 44 balls, including 4 boundaries. Although her strike rate of 79.55 was conservative, it was a crucial knock that held the innings together while other batters struggled to stay at the crease. Rwanda’s total was also bolstered by contributions from Irera Rosine, who added 17 runs towards the end, pushing the score to 110.
Kenya’s bowlers had their moments, with Queentor Abel putting on a stellar performance, taking 4 wickets for just 22 runs in her 4 overs. Abel was Kenya’s most consistent bowler throughout the series, and her economy of 5.50 made it difficult for Rwanda to accelerate in the final overs. Esther Wachira was equally impressive, picking up 3 wickets for 22 runs in her 4 overs.
Kenya’s Chase: A Struggle Against Rwanda’s Bowling
Kenya’s response got off to a promising start, with Melvin Khagoitsa leading the charge with a rapid 30 off 24 balls, including 4 boundaries, at a strike rate of 125.00. However, after Khagoitsa’s dismissal, Kenya’s chase faltered, as they struggled to build partnerships and keep up with the required run rate.
Vanessa Adhiambo Ooko provided some resistance with 18 runs off 25 balls, but it wasn’t enough to stabilize the innings. Rwanda’s bowlers, particularly Alice Ikuzwe, applied pressure at critical moments, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs in her 3 overs. Ikuzwe’s spell, combined with tight fielding, kept Kenya from mounting a comeback.
Key Moments
The match turned in Rwanda’s favor after Khagoitsa’s dismissal, as Kenya’s middle and lower order collapsed under pressure. Rwanda’s disciplined bowling and fielding ensured that Kenya’s batters were unable to string together significant partnerships. With Kenya losing wickets at regular intervals, the match slowly slipped out of their grasp.
Rwanda’s bowlers, especially Ikuzwe and Muhawenimana Immaculate, took advantage of Kenya’s middle-order collapse, taking key wickets at crucial stages of the match. Immaculate’s tight spell of 4 overs for 20 runs ensured Kenya couldn’t recover.
Conclusion
Rwanda’s 18-run win in Game 5 crowned them the series winners with an emphatic 4-1 record. Their superior performance with both bat and ball across the series highlighted their growing prowess in East African cricket. Despite Kenya’s efforts, particularly from Queentor Abel and Melvin Khagoitsa, they couldn’t overcome Rwanda’s all-around excellence. Rwanda’s captain, Bimenyimana Marie Diane, and her team can be proud of their well-rounded performances, which led them to dominate the series.
