Not so super over sinks the Room
Gahanga Stadium, Kigali, 2/27/2020
Rwanda U19 won by the Super Over
Rwanda U19: 108-3
Strongroom: 108-6
View the Scorecard
We gradually assembled ourselves and made our way to the Gahanga Stadium, after a rest day, spent perusing Kigali’s markets and hanging out at Club Mamba. Andy Orme was definitely a bit groggy after a late night, and DP was struggling with a torn groin. We lost the toss and fielded first in the first of two T20s against Rwanda U19s, on the same day. However, our rest day duly revealed itself in our fielding, which for the first time on this tour was below-par. Vinay and Arif bowled tidy opening spells, with Vinay snaring one of the openers early on, neatly caught behind by Jimmy. Skipper DP rotated eight bowlers in total, and it was pleasing to see veterans Orme (1-11) and Gower J (1-10) both claim their first tour scalps. After 10 overs Rwanda A were nicely poised at 44-1, and they stepped up in the final 10, finally settling up at 108-3. This was definitely chaseable. But were we up to the task?
We started off nicely, and were well positioned at 69-1 off 14 overs, with Mitch (37), Jimmy (18) and Vinay (20) the main contributors. It was very pleasing in particular to see Vinay manage some runs, after a dismal sequence of 2, 0 and 0. Jimmy took a nasty, quick lifter on the side of the neck, but thankfully no significant damage was done. With 10 required off the last two overs, we had this under control. But control can be an ephemeral concept. Two wickets duly fell, and suddenly we needed one off the final ball. Clinton chipped it to short midwicket, a groin-restrained DP didn’t leave his crease, and the match was tied, amidst exuberant scenes.
The umpires called for a super-over to decide the game. We went in first, and Mitch (11*) powered us to a reasonable total of 12 off our allotted six deliveries.
Joe was selected as our super-over bowler, and his first ball prompted a simple return catch. Surely this was going our way? However, next ball, Joe uncharacteristically produced a high full-toss that was dispatched for 6. Another couple of full tosses followed and the game was gone. We were somewhat shocked to lose. However, it would be unfair to criticise Joe, as by now he had taken 17 wickets for 68 runs! We walked off somewhat dejected, and headed off in a daze for another fantastic lunch. Only the chef and his magic cuisine could provide us with any semblance of satisfaction.
Meanwhile, our second T20 against Rwanda U19s was only another hour away...
Written By: J.Gower
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