Nigeria will hope to reignite their campaign at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers with a win against Rwanda on Friday (today) after losing their first game against Kenya on Thursday.
Nigeria began its quest for a place at the 2024 World Cup in the USA and West Indies with a teeth gnashing four-wicket loss against Kenya at the United Cricket Club Ground, Windhoek, Namibia.
The Yellow Greens had a good innings against the East Africans and Prosper Useni was named man of the match but their 121 runs for the loss of seven wickets wasn’t enough to turn the result in their favour.
Kenya won the toss and elected to field first as Nigeria struggled in the power play by dropping four wickets in the first ten overs. The opening duo of Suilamon Runsewe and Daniel Ajekun posted only 10 runs on the board before they were caught.
Nigeria’s batting was steadied by Isaac Danladi, who made 46 runs off 46 balls, while Prosper Useni posted 37 runs from just 19 balls.
Kenya began their chase in the second innings, dropping only two wickets in the first 10 overs as they posted 124 runs for the loss of six wickets in 19.5 overs.
The East Africans have now won their first two matches in the series, leading the pack with four points while Nigeria, who play their second game against Rwanda on Friday (today), are fifth on the table.
Nigeria and Rwanda have met recently at the maiden West Africa Trophy in Lagos where they beat the Rwandans four times including the final to win the trophy.
The top two teams in the qualifiers will make it to the World Cup along with South Africa and 13 other countries at the world cup.
