In a thrilling encounter at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda Women pulled off a composed chase to defeat Italy Women by 6 wickets in Match 13 of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026. Chasing a target of 124, the hosts kept their cool in front of a home crowd, reaching the mark with just three balls to spare. It was a game of fluctuating fortunes where Rwanda’s discipline in the field and steady batting eventually trumped Italy’s fighting effort with the ball.
The day began with Italy winning the toss and opting to set a target. However, they were immediately pushed onto the back foot by Rwanda’s opening bowlers. Rosine Irera and Belise Murekatete struck early, leaving Italy reeling at 2-2 in the second over. They removed both Methnara Rathnayake and Hinanshi Daluwatta for ducks, forcing Italy into a massive rebuilding job from the very start of the innings.
Italy managed to claw their way back into the contest through a gritty 64-run partnership between Ilenia Sims and Alexia Kontopirakis. Sims was particularly proactive, top-scoring for her side with 37 runs off 39 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six. Kontopirakis played the anchor role, contributing 32 off 38 balls. Emilia Bartram added a late spark with a quick-fire 24 off 20 balls, helping Italy post a respectable total of 123/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Rosine Irera finished with impressive figures of 2/17, while Henriette Ishimwe kept things tight with 1/16 from her four overs.
Rwanda’s response was built on a solid opening foundation. Fanny Utagushimaninde and Gisele Ishimwe shared a 58-run opening-stand that effectively broke the back of the chase. Utagushimaninde was the aggressor, smashing 36 off 30 balls, a knock featured three fours and a towering six. While Gisele Ishimwe played a more patient innings of 17 from 30 balls, her presence at the crease ensured the hosts didn’t lose early wickets, providing the platform the middle order needed.
Italy didn’t go down without a fight, as their bowlers tried to squeeze the run rate in the middle overs. Dilaisha Nanayakkara and Ilenia Sims picked up a wicket each, and a sharp run-out briefly gave the Italian side hope as Rwanda slipped to 102/4. However, the experience of Clarisse Uwase and Belise Murekatete proved decisive. Uwase remained unbeaten on 20, while Murekatete played a crucial cameo of 16* off just 12 balls to ensure there were no late hiccups.
In the end, Rwanda crossed the finish line in the final over, finishing on 126/4 in 19.3 overs. For her all-round contribution and match-winning knock at the top of the order, Fanny Utagushimaninde was rightfully named the Player of the Match. This victory further solidified Rwanda’s position in the tournament, showcasing their ability to handle pressure in tight situations while playing on home soil.
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