The schedule of the 5-match T20 series which starts on Friday at Gahanga cricket oval
Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) takes on Zambia in a historic five-match Men’s T20 series against Zambia from Friday, May 2018 toSunday, May 20 at Gahanga Cricket Oval.
The five-match T20 series is aimed at strengthening the relations between the two countries. The Zambia team arrived in Kigali on Thursday.
The rare bilateral series also provides Rwanda an ample opportunity to build on their men’s team’s preparations for the upcoming ICC World T20 Africa “B” qualifiers, which Rwanda will be hosting in July 2018.
It will also provide Rwanda head coach Martin Suji a good look into the squad members, chosen from the 21 preliminary squad announced by the Cricket Board a few days back. Zambia, too, will be part of Africa “C” qualifiers to be held later in 2018 in Botswana.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the General Manager of Rwanda Cricket Association Emmanuel Byiringiro said, “The five-match T20 series against Zambia are in line with preparations for upcoming East Africa World T20 Qualifiers to be held in Rwanda,”
He further noted that these matches will be another opportunity for Rwandans to learn more about the beautiful game of cricket.
The Rwanda team captain, Dusabemungu Hirwa Eric, said, “This is the first time Rwanda Cricket Association is hosting a national team. He emphasized that playing against an experienced Zambian team will boost their preparations ahead of the World T20 Qualifiers,”
The Team Manager of Zambia cricket team Ng’andu Yandikani thanked Rwanda Cricket Association for the invitation and warm reception.
“Zambia Cricket Union is grateful for the invitation and hopefully,” added Yandikani
The Head Coach of Zambia cricket team Steven Banda told members of the press that this tournament will help them prepare for the T20 series to be held in Botswana in November this year. He added that the T20 friendly series will be an opportunity for both sides to interact and strengthen their partnership.
Rwanda cricket Association has released a squad of 18 players who will be used in these games while Zambia named a strong 14 players who travelled to Rwanda.
During the EAC World T20 Qualifiers slated for July this year, Rwanda will compete against Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in qualifiers for one spot in the main Africa qualifiers for WorldT20 to be held in Australia in 2020.
All matches will be played at Gahanga Oval in Kigali, the first International matches to be held at the ground after its inauguration in 2017. The series is being sponsored by Sahasra Electronic.
The Rwanda squad:
Kevin Irakoze (Spinner), Eric Niyomugabo (Spinner), Prince Uwimanishaka (wicket keeper batsman), David Uwimana (wicket keeper Batsman), Bosco Tuyizere (Batsman), Zappy Tuyizere (Batsman), Eric Ndangamyambi (Batsman), Chancelier Nzabarinda (Bowler), Yvan Mitali (Bowler), Kamil Meera (Batsman), Pankaj Vekaria (Bowler), Eric Dusingizimana (Bowler), Subashish Samal (All rounder), Byson Bugingo (Bowler), Orchide Tuyisenge (All rounder), Bob Bashir Songa (Batsman), Clinton Rubagumya (Assistant captain-All rounder) and Eric Dusabemungu (Captain-All rounder).
Coach: Martin Suji
Zambia Squad: Allan Nsesha (Batsman/wicket keeper), Madaliso Mvula (All rounder), Isaac Mwaba (Batsman/wicket keeper), Lawrence Mutale (Bowler), Gladson Kandela (Bowler), Mohammed Sohel (Batsman), Misheck Malama (Bowler), Anthony Simunguzi (All rounder), Jonathan Chisembele (Bowler), Godfrey Kandela (All rounder), Gibson Kandela (Batsman), James Chembo (Batsman), MusondaYambaYamba (Batsman), Bethan Kasopa (Batsman)
Coach: Steven Banda
The five-matchT20 series Schedule:
18th May
1st T20-Gahanga-9am
2nd T20-Gahanga-13:30
19th May
3rd T20-9am
4th T20-Gahanga-13:30
20th May
5th T20-Gahanga-9am
Zambia’s team Kigali City Tour-2pm
Awards Dinner-7pm
