Bahrain maintained their stellar form in the Rwanda Tri Nations Cup 2025 with a commanding 7-wicket win over Rwanda at the Rwanda Cricket Stadium. While chasing a below par score of 126, Bahrain comfortably won the match with 11 balls to spare, courtesy of a clinical all round effort captained by Imran Anwar.
Rwanda’s Innings
Rwanda, after winning the toss and deciding to bat, could not get any momentum in their innings. Opener Oscar Manishimwe got dismissed on the first ball of the game, middle order batsman Daniel Gumyusenge played a defensive 46 from 50 balls, and Didier Ndikubwimana contributed 39 from 40 deliveries. This explains the defensive intent of the Rwandan batsmen and it definitely does not promote the modern approach of attacking cricket. The Rwandan batsmen were not able to pick up the pace at vital moments and finished at a modest 125/5 in their 20 overs. Bahrain’s bowlers maintained a strong hold on things, with Ali Dawood (2/20) knocking at crucial moments. Imran Khan (1/13 in 3 overs) and Imran Anwar (1/22 in 4 overs) both bowled excellently, putting pressure throughout the innings.
Bahrain’s Innings
In reply, Bahrain pursued the target with authority. Imran Anwar starred with the bat, making a solid 43 off 39 balls and setting the tone for the chase. He had able support in Prashant Kurup, who added a solid 30 off 30 balls. Sohail Ahmed then took over with an unbeaten 34 off 24 balls, taking Bahrain past the target effortlessly in the 19th over.
Rwanda’s bowlers could not make an early impact with only Muhammad Nadir (1/19) and Eric Kubwimana (1/20) making some difference. Lack of wickets and a below-par score meant Rwanda had little margin for error.
Imran Anwar was duly awarded Player of the Match for his contribution of his all round display conceding just 1/22 off four overs and then scoring a crucial 43-run cameo in the chase. His performance proved how valuable he is to the Bahraini team.
This win adds to Bahrain’s standing in the tournament table and marks their increasing superiority in associate cricket. Rwanda, on the other hand, will have to reorganize in a hurry and provide more firepower to both their batting and bowling sides in the next matches if they need to survive in the series.