Raza’s historic fifer leads Zimbabwe to win over Rwanda

Zimbabwe: 240/8 in 20 overs (Dion Myers 96, Tadiwanashe Marumani 44; Nadir Muhammad 3/47, Clinton Rubagumya 2/35)

Rwanda: 91 all out in 18 overs (Didier Ndikubwimana 36; Sikandar Raza 5/18, Ryan Burl 1/18)

Result: Zimbabwe won by 149 runs

Captain Sikandar Raza became the first ever Zimbabwean player to pick five wickets in a T20 international as he led his side to 149-run victory over Rwanda in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B at the Ruaraka Sports Club in Nairobi.

His five for 18 came on the back of a massive 240 for the loss of eight Zimbabwe. In that, Dion Myers fell short of the first ever century by a Zimbabwean in the format, but it was enough to make him trhe highest run-maker in an innings for the Chevrons.

Zimbabwe opted to bat first and were led by a blistering knock from Myers, who smashed 96 off just 45 balls, including 11 fours and 6 sixes. His explosive innings set the tone for Zimbabwe, despite losing Brian Bennett for a golden duck on the first ball. Tadiwanashe Marumani provided valuable support, hitting 44 off 18 balls at a strike rate of 244.44, while Clive Madande chipped in with a quickfire 35 off 20 deliveries.

Rwanda’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Nadir Muhammad picking up three wickets for 47 runs in his 4 overs, while Clinton Rubagumya claimed two for 35.

The chase was a difficult one for Rwanda who were bowled out for 91.

Their captain Didier Ndikubwimana fought valiantly with 36 off 42 balls, but no other Rwandan batter could offer significant resistance. Raza’s spin, coupled with tight bowling from Ryan Burl (1-18) and Blessing Muzarabani (1-10), decimated Rwanda’s batting lineup, and they were bowled out for 91 in 18 overs.

Raza’s exploits mean he is now the leading wicket-taker for Zimbabwe in T20s, overtaking Blessing Muzarabani.

With a win against Gambia on