In a show of pure dominance, Bahrain defeated Malawi in the final of the Rwanda Tri Nations Cup 2025, winning by a crushing 94 runs at the Rwanda Cricket Stadium. Choosing to bowl first after opting for the toss, Malawi found themselves on the back foot early on as Bahrain’s opening order delivered a destructive attack.
Bahrain’s Innings
Bahrain also put up a dominating score of 189 for 3 in their 20 overs. Sohail Ahmed headed the charge with an unfinished 52 off only 26 balls, showing fine strokeplay and pressure handling capabilties. He was effectively supported by Asif Ali, who hammered 46 off 28 balls, and Prashant Kurup, who contributed a solid 38 off 41 balls. They formed solid partnerships together and had a fast run rate for the entire innings. Even with the huge total, Malawi could capture only three wickets, with Bright Balala, Sami Sohail, and Aaftab Limdawala taking one altogether. However, they were unable to stop the quick run flow.
Malawi’s Innings
Malawi, chasing 190, collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for just 95 in under 18 overs. Sami Sohail attempted to stabilize the innings with a heroic 43 of 26 balls, and Muhammad Kazim Somani contributed an unbeaten 24 of 29. All this was for vain as Bahraini bowlers gave a super performance. Rizwan Butt was brutal with the ball as he took 3 wickets for only 7 runs off his spell. Asif Ali continued his all round brilliance with a spell of 2 for 18 in 4 over spell, while Ali Dawood also struck twice.
Asif Ali’s impactful performance with both bat and ball earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. His 46 runs and crucial bowling figures of 2 for 18 proved significant in destroying Malawi’s challenge.
This emphatic victory by Bahrain crowned them champions of the 2025 Rwanda Tri Nations Cup, ending the event on a high with a dominating performance in the final.