Ghana’s senior national team captain Obed Harvey steals the show as Ghana defeated Gambia by 138 runs (DL) in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier B, in the match played at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
It was the second straight win for Ghana, who ad lost 3 matches on the streak and had redeemed themselves with a 107 runs victory over Cameroon on Tuesday.
With 26 extras and in 100 minutes, Ghana scored 215/3 in the first innings after winning toss and choosing to bat first.
James Vifah, who has had a good tournament fell on the 4.3 over after starting well with Samson Awe Awiah.
Captain Obed Harvey then came on and was *11(17) after the 10th over. He then got his rhythm and scored 4 fours & 9 sixes, while Samson 47(36) and consequently Devender Singh 23(16) fell for Rexford Bakum *1(1) to finish the innings.
Obed Harvey, set a record of over a century runs *107(54); the first in the tournament and for Ghana in any T20, after Samson Awe Awiah, had scored *96(66) against Cameroon on Tuesday.
It was a tough 2nd innings for Gambia, who managed 69/10 in 14.1 overs after the weather forced the reduction of overs to 18.0.
Youngster, Richmond Baaleri once again put his name on the bowling figures, inking 4.0-0-29-5, after his 3.0-1-12-4 figures against Tanzania, last Sunday.
After receiving his man of the Match accolade for that sterling performance, Ghana’s captain, Obed Harvey says
“I started slowly, as everyone could see but I entered into my zone; see ball, hit ball and it went well for me this time. I just enjoyed it and that was it.”
Ghana, however remain 5th with 6 points, 2 behind Sierra Leone and Mozambique.
It is a derby time for Ghana, who comes up against leaders Nigeria at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium at 1:45pm (11:45am GH Time).
Later at the Gahanga after Ghana’s win, the battle for the top saw a share of points due to rain as Nigeria maintain their spot with 11 points, with a NRR advantage over Tanzania, also with 11 points.
Nigeria had scored 102/10 in 19.4 overs in the first innings and had turned their anger on Tanzania, who had scored 19/3 in 4.3 overs.
The top 2 qualifies for the next stage, and to face Rwanda and Kenya next year.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
