April 15, 2016 By Sahr Morris Jr.
Sierra Leone national cricket team, ‘The Patriots’, sent a strong warning to their Mozambique opponent ahead of Saturday’s ICC Africa Twenty20 Division 2 tournament opener with a revenge victory over South Africa’s Eastern Cricket Club in a friendly international tie Thursday.
Having suffered two straight defeats to the South African first division club, The Patriots were in dire need of an inspirational result ahead of Saturday’s tournament opener against Mozambique.
Sierra Leone won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Easterns, who opened the batting, scored 133 for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 Overs and Sierra Leone replied with 135 for the loss of 5 wickets in 19.3 Overs.
The scores mean Sierra Leone got revenge with a 5 wickets win, to register the first victory by any West African side against the Eastern cricket union team, with the exception of Zimbabwe.
Sierra Leone’s bowling saw Abu Bakara Kamara in 3 Overs, conceded 27 runs with an economy rate of 9 per Over, while Captain Lansana Lamin in three Overs conceded 18 runs and grabbed two wickets with an economy rate of 6. Abass Gbla in three Overs allowed 30 runs with an economy rate of 10 runs per over.
Jacob Mansaray and Mohamed Shamshad Khan were Sierra Leone’s top scorers in the match with 28 runs, followed by Edward Marrah with 27 runs and Captain Lansana Lamin with 21 runs. Mohamed Shamshad Khan scooped the man of the match award.
Next up for Sierra Leone now is the tournament proper as they will take on Mozambique in their first match of the competition.
Sierra Leone’s other opponent in the tournament, Rwanda, say they are ready to win and qualify to the first division.
The Rwanda coach Davis Turinawe said before their departure to South Africa: “We are out to win and qualify for the first division. The team has gone through intensive preparations; we have worked on all areas in batting, bowling and other aspects of the game.”
The winner in the upcoming tournament will qualify to join the ICC Division 1, which comprises Namibia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana and Tanzania.