In a closely fought encounter in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda Women held their nerve to defeat Nigeria Women by just two runs, defending a modest target in a contest that went right down to the final over. The match featured crucial partnerships, disciplined bowling performances, and several momentum swings that kept spectators engaged until the very last ball.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Rwanda Women began cautiously but found early momentum through opener Fanny Utagushimana, who played an aggressive hand at the top of the order. She struck 29 runs from 23 deliveries, including five boundaries, and shared a 40-run opening partnership with Gisele Ishimwe, who contributed 12 off 13 balls. The stand gave Rwanda a solid platform before Gisele became the first wicket to fall at 40/1 in 5.4 overs.
Fanny continued to score freely alongside Clarisse Uwase, and the pair added eight runs before Fanny departed for 29, leaving Rwanda at 48/2 in 7.1 overs. Clarisse then looked to accelerate, scoring a brisk 21 from 14 balls, featuring two sixes. However, Rwanda lost wickets at regular intervals as Nigeria’s bowlers tightened their grip. Merveille Uwase was unable to get going and fell for a 10-ball duck, while Clarisse’s dismissal at 66/4 in 10.3 overs halted Rwanda’s progress.
The innings was revived by Henriette Ishimwe, who played the most impactful knock for her side. Henriette scored a fluent 30 off 21 balls, striking four boundaries at a strike rate of 142.85. She stitched together useful stands with Georgette Ingabire (8) and later Alice Ikuzwe, helping Rwanda move towards a competitive total. However, Nigeria continued to chip away with wickets. Georgette, Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Belise Murekatete, and Henriette all fell during the middle and death overs as Rwanda slipped from a promising position.
Despite the late collapse, Rwanda managed to post 106 all out in 19.5 overs, with Rosine Irera remaining unbeaten on 1. For Nigeria Women, the bowling unit worked collectively. Christabel Chukwuonye was the standout, 3/14 off 4. Adeshola Adekunle and Favour Eseigbe claimed two wickets each, while Rachael Samson and Oseyende Omonkhobhia picked up a wicket apiece. Samson was particularly economical, conceding only 12 runs in her four overs.
Chasing 107 for victory, Nigeria Women suffered an early setback when Christabel Chukwuonye was dismissed for 1 with the score on 10/1. Opener Esther Sandy then steadied the innings, first adding 18 runs with Jessica Bieni before partnering Salome Sunday in a crucial 24-run stand for the third wicket. Esther anchored the chase with a patient 26 off 33 deliveries, while Salome contributed 16 from 29 balls.
Nigeria appeared well-placed during the middle overs as Sarah Etim and Oseyande Omonkhobhio shifted gears. Sarah played an important innings of 21 from just 15 balls, striking at 140, while Oseyande matched her contribution with 21 off 13 deliveries. Their attacking approach brought Nigeria within touching distance of the target. However, a dramatic twist occurred when Sarah Etim retired hurt on 21, leaving Nigeria without one of their set batters during the decisive phase of the chase.
Rwanda’s bowlers responded brilliantly under pressure. Marie Bimenyimana, who was later named Player of the Match, delivered the breakthrough of Adeshola Adekunle and finished with 2 wickets for 31 runs from four overs. Rosine Irera claimed a wicket, while Belise Murekatete and Ruth Uwimana bowled disciplined spells. Alice Ikuzwe was particularly economical, conceding just 11 runs in four overs, helping build pressure during the middle overs.
The match came down to the final over with Nigeria needing a handful of runs. The dismissal of Oseyande Omonkhobhio at 102/6 in 19.5 overs left the chase hanging in the balance. Despite late efforts from Lillian Udeh (5* off 2), and Omosigho Equakun (2* off 1), Nigeria could only reach 104/6 in their 20 overs, falling agonisingly short by two runs.
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