Rwanda Cricket Association (RCA) have announced a historic 5-match Men’s T20I series against Zambia in May 2018. In a move to strengthen the relations between the two countries, Zambia will be touring Rwanda from 17th – 21st May 2018.
The rare bi-lateral series also provides Rwanda ample opportunity to build on their Men’s team’s preparations for the upcoming ICC WorldT20 Africa “B” qualifiers, which Rwanda will be hosting in Jul 2018. It will also provide 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.
While Rwanda players were recently involved in the V.R. Naidu T20 tournament at home, these will be the first International matches for the players and the exposure will be crucial before they face stronger opponents in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in the qualifiers. Both Rwanda and Zambia will also be involved in Africa Cricket Association T20 Africa Cup qualifiers and the series will be perfect for the teams to get the ground running before these crucial qualifiers.
V.R Naidu T20 Cricket Tournament concludes with Charity Cricket Club crowned Champions in the Women's Category and Challengers crowned Champions in the Men's categoryhttps://t.co/tqEYJYx7T6 pic.twitter.com/rchVvjSBPX
— Rwanda Cricket Association (@RwandaCricket) May 7, 2018
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.
Zambia tour of Rwanda Schedule (All times local):
18th May – 01st T20 @ 09:00 am & 02nd T20 @ 13:30 pm
19th May – 03rd T20 @ 09:00 am & 04th T20 @ 13:30 pm
20th May – 05th T20 @ 09:00 am
The tour will conclude with an Awards Dinner on 20th May at 19:00 pm.