But hosts Nigeria, beaten by Ghana on the previous day, kept themselves in line to remain on course to challenge for a place for the finals in Australia in 2020 as they narrowly defeated Sierra Leone by six runs.

First on at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Ghana reached 165 for seven at the end of their 20 allotted overs before bowling Gambia out for 56 with just under six overs remaining.

Bakum top scored for Ghana with 64 and Ankrah added 44.

Mark Bawa did the main damage with the ball for Ghana, taking five for 17.

The second match was a far more tense affair as Sierra Leone closed on Nigeria’s total of 120 for nine only to fall marginally short with Ngegba finishing top scorer on 39.

Tomorrow will be a rest day before the penultimate round of matches in which Ghana are due to take on Sierra Leone and Gambia play the hosts.

This International Cricket Council competition is set to conclude on Saturday (April 21).

The prize for the top two teams will be a spot in the World T20 2020 qualifier, where they will take on the winners of the regional finals from Asia, Europe, the Americas and the East Asia and Pacific region.

The main qualifier is due to take place next year.

Australia are set to host the World T20 from October 15 to November 15 in 2020.

They will be hosting the event for the first time, with 16 teams progressing to the event.

Nine will qualify through the world rankings taken on December 31 this year, with six coming through the qualifying event in 2019.

Australia qualify automatically as the host nation.