Ghana’s senior national male cricket team continued their winning momentum in Nigeria as they beat Gambia in the first match of the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) Africa T20 Cup North West Africa Regional qualifiers at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Monday, April 23.
Their win against Gambia becomes the third time in 10 days, as they beat the latter twice in the just ended ICC World T20 Africa qualifier A at the same venue.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa T20 champions won toss and chose to bat. A partnership between the first two batsmen, Rexford Bakum and Simon Ateak produced 125 runs, out of the total score of 163 runs for 5 wickets. Rexford scored 60 runs, off 49 balls, while Simon scored 65 runs, off 53 balls.
The Gambians broke the partnership when Rexford smashed a ball bowled by B Jaye, but was caught by M. Dumbuya on the 14.2 over. Simon stayed a little longer till the 19.4 over when he was caught behind the wicket by P. Campbull.
In the second winnings, Ghana restricted Gambia to 83 runs, all out in 18 overs. Ghana won by 80 runs. Mark Bawa took 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs; Samson Awe Awiah took 2 wickets for 9 runs in 3 overs while David Mario Periera took 2 wickets for 18 runs in 4 overs.
Meanwhile, Nigeria later in the day defeated Sierra Leone by 59 runs. The host, in the first innings scored 148 runs for 4 wickets, whereas Sierra Leone managed 89 runs, all out in 18.1 overs.
Ghana will meet Nigeria for the 3rd time but for the first time in this tournament Tuesday, April 24 at 1pm (Nigerian Time) after Gambia and Cameroon begins the day’s matches at 9am.
Ghana plays 2 more matches, against Cameroon on Wednesday and then Sierra Leone on Friday, in the single round robin tourney. Top 4 teams will qualify to the semifinals on Saturday and then winners will play the finals on Sunday.
Ghana Cricket, who have had support from Africa World Airlines (AWA) and Bethel Logistics, needs the continuous support from government in their consistent dominance in Africa.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey/voltaonlinegh
