Andre Jarju
Muhammed Manga
Frank Campbell
Aniru Conteh
Pa Assan Faye
Abubacarr Kuyateh
Ismail Kara
Ayaz Dadabhai
Joshep Zulu
Chimya Chilekwa
Robert Lungu
Shadreck Malama✱
Zakir Patel
Vasmiakram Chand✱
Musa Jorbateh
David Demba
In a nail‑biting finale at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1, Zambia edged out Gambia by a razor‑thin four runs, turning a modest target of 94 into a thrilling chase that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The decisive moment came when Shadreck Malama smashed a rapid 38 off 31 balls, propelling Zambia to the brink of victory with just two wickets left.
Match Summary
Gambia won the toss and elected to bat under mostly clear skies, with humidity at 39% and temperatures hovering around 29.6 °C. The hosts posted a modest Gambia T20I score of 93 for 9 in their full 20 overs. Ismail Kara and Ayaz Dadabhai shared the wickets, taking 1/24 and an impressive 4/15 respectively, while Joshep Zulu chipped in with a tidy 1/9 in his two‑over spell.
Chasing 94, Zambia started cautiously but soon found momentum. Opening partnerships laid a solid foundation, and the chase accelerated when Shadreck Malama struck at the crease. His 38 runs off 31 balls, laced with fours and a couple of sixes, shifted the pressure back onto Gambia. Zakir Patel added a brisk 34 off 24 balls, ensuring the run‑rate stayed ahead of the required pace. Zambia wrapped up the chase in just 11.4 overs, finishing at 97 for 2, clinching the win in the Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C 2026 live score board.
Key Performances
Shadreck Malama (Zambia) – 38 runs off 31 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes. His aggressive intent set the tone for the chase and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Zakir Patel (Zambia) – 34 runs off 24 balls, 4 fours, 1 six. Patel’s quick strike rate kept the scoreboard ticking and complemented Malama’s innings perfectly.
Ayaz Dadabhai (Gambia) – 4/15 in 4 overs. The most economical bowler for Gambia, Dadabhai kept the run‑rate in check but lacked enough support from the other end.
Musa Jorbateh (Zambia) – 1/36 in 4 overs. While expensive, Jorbateh managed to claim a crucial wicket, breaking a potential partnership.
Abubacarr Kuyateh (Zambia) – 1/15 in 3 overs. His tight spell in the middle overs helped Zambia maintain a steady run‑rate.
Turning Points
The first turning point arrived early in Gambia’s innings when Ayaz Dadabhai struck in the third over, removing the top‑order batsman and curbing the run‑flow. However, the decisive swing came during Zambia’s chase. After a steady start, Malama’s boundary‑laden assault in the 4th and 5th overs reduced the required runs to a manageable 30 from 12 balls. Patel’s subsequent quickfire cameo sealed the fate, as Gambia’s bowlers could not find a wicket in time to halt the momentum.
Another crucial moment was the dismissal of Gambia’s lower‑order batsman at 78/7, which left them with a sub‑par total and limited their ability to defend. The combination of disciplined bowling from Zambia’s middle order and the explosive batting partnership of Malama and Patel turned the match in Zambia’s favor.
Series Implications
This win gives Zambia a vital boost in the Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C 2026, positioning them as early frontrunners in the group. The four‑run victory not only improves their net run rate but also sends a strong message to other contenders about their batting depth and finishing ability.
For Gambia, the loss highlights areas needing improvement, particularly in the lower order and death‑over bowling. Their bowlers performed admirably, but the batting lineup fell short of the target, underscoring the need for more aggressive intent in future chases.
Looking ahead, Zambia will aim to carry this momentum into their next fixture, while Gambia will regroup and seek to tighten their batting strategies. Fans can follow the ongoing action of Zambia cricket today and keep an eye on the evolving leaderboard as the qualifier progresses.