Chikondi Magalasi

The Malawi National Cricket Team finished as runners-up in the Kenya Quad Series, which ended on Wednesday this week involving four nations; the hosts Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, and Malawi.

Malawi and Kenya were set to meet in the final after finishing as the top two teams on the log table, with Malawi finishing second with nine points and Kenya topping the table with 17 points after each played nine matches.

However, the final was cancelled due to bad weather, and according to the tournament rules, Kenya was crowned champion, while Malawi was declared the runner-up.

To finish second, Malawi defeated Rwanda by 58 runs in the first game, then lost three consecutive matches to Zambia, Kenya, and Rwanda. Malawi won against Zambia by five wickets in the fifth match, lost to Kenya by 67 runs in the sixth match, and then defeated Zambia and Rwanda by four wickets and 21 runs, respectively, in the seventh and eighth matches.

The ninth match against the hosts was cancelled due to bad weather, and as per tournament rules, both teams were awarded a point each. The tournament started on June 28, 2024.

Speaking to Wa Ganyu, Malawi cricket team captain Donnex Kansonkho said finishing second at the tournament indicates the team’s improvement in many areas.

“This is a significant achievement and shows we are heading in the right direction. The tournament has helped us prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in September this year in Tanzania,” he said.

Additionally, Malawi’s Sami Sohail won the Man of the Series award, finishing the tournament with 377 runs, a best score of 81, and six wickets.