Rahimgul Naseri's 54 Fires France to Victory
France have won by 4 runs. France batted first and posted 166/8 in 20 overs. Romania, chasing 167, fell short at 162/7 in 20 overs.
Rahimgul Naseri was the standout in the first innings, scoring 54 off 31 balls (SR 174). 3 sixes and 7 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 42 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
Vasu Saini fought hard with 52 off 41 balls, but it was not enough to haul Romania over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Rahmatullah Mangal delivered figures of 3/25 in 4 overs (Econ 6.3). Crucial breakthroughs at key moments that shifted the momentum.
ROM lead the series 11-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 7 of the first innings was the inflection point — 17 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
54 off 31 balls (SR 174), 7 fours, 3 sixes
3/25 in 4 overs (Econ: 6.25)
52 off 41 balls (SR 127), 5 fours, 1 sixes
Verdict
France showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Romania will rue missed opportunities — a 4 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. ROM lead the series 11-0. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.