Rwanda Women clinched a thrilling one-run victory over the United States of America in a closely contested Match 5 of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, successfully defending a modest total of 127 in a game that went down to the final over.
After being put in to bat, Rwanda posted 127 for four, building their innings around a strong opening partnership between Fanny Utagushimaninde and Gisele Ishimwe. The pair provided a steady start, putting on 77 runs for the first wicket and ensuring Rwanda maintained a solid platform through the first half of the innings. Utagushimaninde contributed 32 off 37 deliveries, striking four boundaries, while Ishimwe played the more dominant role with a well-paced 42 off 34 balls, including five fours and a six.
Ishimwe’s innings was central to Rwanda’s total, as she combined controlled aggression with smart strike rotation to keep the scoring rate healthy. Her dismissal in the 12th over for 42 slowed the momentum slightly, but by then the foundation had already been laid. The middle order added useful runs without taking undue risks, with Clarisse Uwase scoring 19 off 20 balls and Alice Ikuzwe remaining unbeaten on 16 off 22 deliveries. A brief late contribution from Henriette Ishimwe, who struck 9 off 6 balls including a six, helped Rwanda close their innings at 127 for four, with eight runs coming via extras.
USA’s bowling effort was led by Taranum Chopra, who produced an economical spell of two for five in two overs. Maahi Madhavan and Jivana Aras chipped in with one wicket each, conceding 21 and 17 runs respectively, but Rwanda’s strong start ensured they had a competitive total on the board.
In response, USA’s chase got off to a difficult start as they lost early wickets and struggled to build momentum in the powerplay. They slipped to 37 for four inside the first seven overs, putting themselves under immediate pressure. Sainavi Kambalapalli provided a brief spark at the top with a brisk 24 off 17 balls, hitting four boundaries, but her dismissal further dented the chase. The innings was then rebuilt through a crucial partnership between Gargi Bhogle and Ritu Singh.
Ritu played a positive knock of 26 off 28 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes, while Bhogle anchored the innings with composure, remaining unbeaten on 35 off 35 balls. Their stand revived USA’s hopes and brought them back into contention after the early collapse. Captain Aditiba Chudasama added further stability with an unbeaten 24 off 22 balls, and alongside Bhogle, she guided the chase into the final overs with the target within reach. However, the required rate and early loss of wickets meant USA were always chasing the game slightly.
Rwanda’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages, maintaining discipline under pressure. Henriette Ishimwe led the effort with figures of two for 20 in her four overs, picking up key wickets at important moments. She was supported by Marie Bimenyimana, who returned one for 15 in four overs, and Rosette Shimwamana, who claimed one for 24. Gisele Ishimwe also contributed with the ball, conceding just 12 runs in her two overs.
With USA needing a composed finish in the final over, Rwanda managed to restrict the scoring, allowing only six runs and sealing a narrow one-run victory as USA finished on 126 for five in their 20 overs. Gisele Ishimwe was awarded the player of the match award for her all round contribution that led to Rwanda’s win.
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