Rwanda Women delivered a commanding all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 68-run victory over Malawi Women in the 15th match of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium. After opting to bat first, Rwanda showcased a blend of composure and calculated aggression through crucial partnerships and impactful individual performances before their bowlers produced a disciplined display to restrict Malawi to 87/7 in pursuit of 156.
The innings began with Rwanda looking to establish a solid platform, and their opening pair of Fanny Utagushimanainde and Gisele Ishimwe did exactly that. The duo negotiated the early overs effectively while steadily increasing the scoring rate. Their opening stand laid the foundation for what would become a formidable total. Fanny contributed an important 46 from 47 deliveries, striking four boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving at a strike rate of 97.87. At the other end, Gisele Ishimwe was the aggressor, playing one of the finest knocks of the tournament. She dominated the Malawi bowling attack with a fluent 66 from just 49 balls, smashing five fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 134.69. Together, the pair stitched a vital opening partnership of 122 runs, placing Rwanda firmly in control of the contest.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 16th over when Gisele departed for 66, ending the massive stand at 122/1. Malawi sensed an opportunity and struck again shortly afterward when Fanny fell for 46 with the score on 126. Merville Uwase played a brief but explosive cameo, scoring 4 from 2 balls before being run out, while Henriette Ishimwe managed just 1 run before becoming Malawi’s fourth wicket. Rwanda momentarily lost momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals, moving from 122/1 to 128/4. However, Clarisse Uwase remained unbeaten on 21 from 11 deliveries, providing the finishing acceleration the innings required. Alice Ikuzewe added 3 runs, while captain Georgette Ingabire stayed unbeaten on 2. Rwanda also benefited from 12 extras as they closed their innings on 155/5 in 20 overs, scoring at a healthy run rate of 7.75.
Despite conceding a sizeable total, Malawi’s bowlers continued to fight throughout the innings. Vanessa Phiri was the most successful bowler, claiming 1 wicket for 8 runs from her solitary over. Sugeni Kananji bowled her full quota and picked up the crucial wicket of Fanny Utagushimanainde, finishing with figures of 1/32. Lucy Wesley also entered the wickets column with 1/18 from one over. Supporting efforts came from Lidia Dimba (0/23), Praise Maziya (0/26), Lucy M’so (0/25) and Bridget Kasinja (0/16), though none could prevent Rwanda from posting a challenging total.
Chasing 156, Malawi required a positive start but immediately found themselves under pressure from Rwanda’s disciplined bowling unit. Sophina Chinawa showed intent with a brisk 14 from 10 balls, helping Malawi reach 22 before becoming the first wicket to fall. A significant moment came when Praise Maziya retired not out on 9 from 19 deliveries, disrupting the batting side’s rhythm. The responsibility then fell on Angela Lumbe, who produced a determined innings despite wickets tumbling around her. Lumbe scored 42 from 58 balls, striking six boundaries and anchoring the chase deep into the innings.
Following the early dismissal of Sophina, Malawi slipped to 39/2 when Sugeni Kananji departed without scoring. Lidia Dimba managed just 1 run before becoming the fourth wicket. Euless Chiralile contributed 1, while Vanessa Phiri added 4. Throughout the innings, Rwanda’s bowlers consistently broke developing partnerships before they could become threatening. Angela Lumbe fought hard and kept the chase alive, but when she became the seventh wicket to fall at 85 in the 20th over, any lingering hopes disappeared. Christina Bwanali remained unbeaten on 3, while Lucy Wesley finished not out on 1. Malawi eventually closed on 87/7 from their 20 overs, well short of the target.
Rwanda’s bowling attack worked collectively and efficiently. Ruth Uwimana, who was later named Player of the Match, produced an outstanding spell of 1/6 from 4 overs, maintaining relentless pressure and exceptional economy. Henriette Ishimwe impressed with 1/25 from 4 overs, while Rosine Irera delivered a highly economical spell of 1/15 from 4 overs. Alice Ikuzewe also contributed significantly, returning figures of 1/12 from 4 overs, and Marie Benimenyimana chipped in with 1/17 from 3 overs. Gisele Ishimwe added another tidy over, conceding only 8 runs.
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