The 10th match of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 in Rwanda unfolded as a commanding performance from the United States of America (USA) Women, who outplayed Italy Women in all departments in what turned into a one-sided contest. However, the story didn’t begin with dominance; it was carefully built through steady partnerships, calculated aggression, and disciplined bowling that never allowed Italy to settle.
USA Women’s innings began with a brief jolt as Sainavi Kambalapalli departed early for 5 off 4 balls, falling at 1/6 in just 0.5 overs. That early breakthrough by Chathurika Mahamalage gave Italy a flicker of hope, but it was short-lived. Chetna Pagydyala and Nikhar Doshi stitched together a stabilising stand, rotating strike and finding occasional boundaries. Their partnership, however, was cut short at 2/17 in 2.1 overs when Doshi was dismissed for 6 off 5, trying to accelerate.
Pagydyala continued to anchor the innings with composure, building a crucial partnership with Isani Vaghela, who would go on to shape the match. The duo added valuable runs, taking the score to 3/108 in 16.1 overs before Pagydyala departed for a well-made 41 off 43 balls, an innings that provided the foundation. Vaghela, on the other hand, played a measured yet impactful knock, striking 52 off 53 deliveries, including 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. Her innings ensured momentum never dipped despite wickets falling at intervals.
After Vaghela’s dismissal at 4/118 in 17.1 overs, USA lost Ritu Singh (1 off 2) quickly at 5/120, but a late flourish from skipper Aditiba Chudasama (17* off 9) and Gargi Bhogle (5 off 3) added vital runs in the death overs. Their aggressive cameo pushed the USA Women to a competitive 146/6 in 20 overs, with 14 extras further boosting the total.
Italy’s bowling effort had its moments, led brilliantly by Chathurika Mahamalage, who picked up 4 wickets for 24 runs in her 4 overs, consistently breaking partnerships. Pasindi Kananeke chipped in with 1 wicket, while Emma Moore also grabbed one. However, the rest of the attack struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Ilenia Sims (4-0-19-0) being economical but wicketless, and Himanshi Dilawatta conceding runs at a higher rate.
Chasing 147, Italy Women’s innings never truly found rhythm. They suffered an early setback as Methnara Rathnayake was dismissed for a duck, leaving them at 1/0. Alexia Kontopirakis (9 off 7) and Ilenia Sims (13 off 10) attempted a counterattack, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, 3/19 in 3.3 overs and 4/28 in 4.4 overs, putting them firmly on the back foot.
Emma Moore showed resistance with a fighting 27 off 31 balls, trying to anchor the innings amidst the collapse. However, lack of support from the other end meant the required rate kept climbing. Contributions from Kumudu Peddrick (6), Himanshi Dilawatta (4), and Amaya Rajapaksha (8) were too small to build any meaningful partnership. Italy Women were eventually bowled out for 74 in 16 overs, falling well short.
USA’s bowling unit delivered a clinical performance, with multiple contributors ensuring constant pressure. Maahi Madhavan (2/8 in 2 overs), Suhani Thadani (2/15), and Ritu Singh (2/14 in 4 overs) were standout performers, combining accuracy with wicket-taking ability. Sainavi Kambalapalli also impressed with 2/13, while Taranum Chopra added 1/4, showcasing depth in the attack.
This comprehensive victory highlighted the USA Women’s dominance in both batting and bowling, with Isani Vaghela deservedly named Player of the Match for her composed half-century. With this 72-run win, the USA Women strengthened their position in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy, delivering a performance that blended resilience, strategy, and execution.
