Bahrain produced a dominant display to defeat Malawi by 94 runs in the final of the Rwanda Tri‑Nations Cup, held on July 27 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali. The victory capped off an unbeaten run through the tournament and highlighted Bahrain’s growing stature in associate-level cricket.
Batting first after Malawi chose to field, Bahrain piled up a commanding total of 189 for 3 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a blistering start from Asif Ali, who struck 46 off 28 balls, and a composed knock of 38 from wicketkeeper Prashanth Kurup. The late fireworks came from Sohail Ahmed, whose unbeaten 52 off just 26 balls powered Bahrain to a total that put the opposition under immense pressure. Fiaz Ahmed’s 32 off 20 added further impetus in the middle overs, ensuring Bahrain closed with momentum on their side.
In reply, Malawi’s chase never got going against a disciplined Bahrain bowling attack. They crumbled to 95 all out in 17.3 overs, falling 94 runs short of the target. Only Sami Muhammad Sohail offered resistance with a fighting 43 off 26 balls, but with little support from the rest of the order, Malawi’s innings unraveled quickly.
Bahrain’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Muhammad Rizwan Butt leading the way with a remarkable 3 for 7 in just 2.3 overs. Asif Ali capped off his all-round performance by taking 2 for 18, while Ali Dawood chipped in with 2 for 19. Their collective effort kept Malawi under constant pressure, closing off any chance of a recovery.
The result reflected Bahrain’s dominance throughout the tournament, where they went unbeaten and displayed a well-balanced combination of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. Asif Ali’s contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal, making him a strong contender for player of the final. Sohail Ahmed’s explosive finish underscored Bahrain’s batting depth, while the bowlers executed their plans with precision to seal a comprehensive win.
For Malawi, the defeat exposed key areas for improvement. Their inability to build partnerships under pressure and manage Bahrain’s disciplined bowling attack cost them dearly in the final. However, the tournament provided valuable experience as they continue to develop at the international level.
The Rwanda Tri‑Nations Cup also showcased the growing competitiveness among associate nations. Bahrain’s triumph and unbeaten campaign underlined their readiness to take on stronger challenges in future qualifiers and regional tournaments. Their mix of power-hitting, tactical bowling, and fielding sharpness makes them a team to watch on the associate cricket scene.
Bahrain’s emphatic 94-run win over Malawi not only secured the title but also signaled their emergence as a force in T20I cricket among emerging nations. The blend of youth, experience, and consistency they demonstrated in Kigali will serve as a blueprint for their upcoming campaigns, while the margin of victory in the final highlighted just how far they have progressed as a competitive cricketing nation.