Ravija Sandaruwan
Clinto Anto
Meet Bhavsar
Mohammed Aslam
Ali Zaheer
Bilal Tahir
Sachin Gill
Francis Mutua
Shem Ngoche
Lucas Oluoch Ndandason
Vraj Patel
Subham Patel
Dhiren Gondaria
Irfan Karim
Sachin Bhudia
Rakep Patel
Sukhdeep Singh
Yasin Patel
Muhammad Aqif Farooq
Nimish Latheef
Anudeep Chenthamara
The atmosphere at Ruaraka Sports Club Ground on Wednesday was electric as Kuwait chased down a daunting target, but the real drama unfolded early when Ravija Sandaruwan unleashed a thunder‑hit 162 off just 114 balls. His innings not only anchored the Kuwait List A score of 367‑9 but also set the stage for a 150‑run victory over Kenya.
Match Summary
Kuwait won the toss and elected to field, hoping to exploit the early morning moisture under a mostly cloudy sky with 42% humidity. Kenya’s top order faltered against disciplined bowling, and they were bowled out for 217 in just 43 overs. Sachin Gill (1/88 in 8 overs) and Shem Ngoche (3/49 in 10 overs) shared the wickets, while Clinto Anto added a quick 47 off 32 balls for Kuwait.
In reply, Kuwait’s openers built a solid platform, but it was Sandaruwan’s masterclass that took the innings to another level. He smashed 162 runs at a strike rate of 142, peppering the boundary with 18 fours and 6 sixes. The partnership with Anto pushed the score past 300, and the innings wrapped up at 367‑9 after the full 50 overs. Subham Patel’s 57 off 46 for Kenya was the lone bright spot in a chase that never got going.
Key Performances
Ravija Sandaruwan (Kuwait) – 162 runs off 114 balls, 18 fours, 6 sixes. His innings was the cornerstone of the Kuwait List A score and earned him Player of the Match honors.
Clinto Anto (Kuwait) – 47 runs off 32 balls, quickfire cameo that accelerated the run‑rate in the death overs.
Shem Ngoche (Kuwait) – 3 wickets for 49 runs in 10 overs, the leading wicket‑taker for the bowlers.
Subham Patel (Kenya) – 57 runs off 46 balls, the top scorer for Kenya, showing resilience amid collapsing wickets.
Meet Bhavsar (Kenya) – 2/46 in 9 overs, a tidy spell that kept Kuwait’s run‑rate in check for a spell.
Turning Points
The first major turning point came when Kenya lost early wickets to Gill’s early breakthroughs, leaving them 45/3 after 10 overs. Patel’s half‑century gave them a glimmer of hope, but a crucial wicket partnership between Ngoche and Gill in the 30th over (Kenya 150/6) turned the momentum back to Kuwait.
Sandaruwan’s innings itself was the decisive factor. After reaching his century, he accelerated, taking the score from 200 to 300 in just 30 balls, effectively putting the game beyond Kenya’s reach. The second turning point was the final overs, where Anto’s rapid 47 added the finishing touches, pushing the total past 350 and leaving Kenya with a steep chase.
Series Implications
With this win, Kuwait moves to 1‑0 in the head‑to‑head record against Kenya in the Men’s CWC Challenge League A 2024‑26. The victory not only boosts Kuwait’s net run rate but also cements their position as serious contenders for a World Cup qualification spot. Kenya, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. Their loss highlights a vulnerability in the middle order and a need for tighter bowling plans under pressure.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial matches in the coming weeks. Kuwait will aim to carry the momentum forward, while Kenya must address the batting collapses that cost them dearly today. Fans following Kenya cricket today will be hoping for a swift bounce‑back, whereas supporters of Kuwait can relish the spectacular display of power hitting and disciplined bowling that defined this List A encounter.
For those tracking the Men’s CWC Challenge League A 2024‑26 live score, this match added a thrilling chapter to the tournament, showcasing why List A cricket remains a fan favourite across the associate nations.