Rwanda Women held their nerve in a closely contested encounter against USA Women, securing a thrilling two-run victory in the seventh match of the Women’s Victoria T20 Series at Entebbe on November 10, 2026. Defending a modest target of 108 runs, Rwanda produced a disciplined bowling performance and kept the USA batting lineup under pressure throughout the chase. Despite valuable contributions from Isani Vaghela, Nikhar Doshi and Taranum Chopra, USA Women finished on 105/4 in their allotted 20 overs, falling just short of the target.
Batting first, Rwanda Women had a steady start through Fanny Utagushimaninde and Gisele Ishimwe. The opening pair put together 41 runs before Ishimwe departed for 20 off 30 deliveries, falling hit-wicket to Taranum Chopra in the eighth over. Fanny continued to contribute at the other end, scoring 21 off 17 balls, including two boundaries, before she was stumped by Ella Claridge off Aditiba Chudasama’s bowling at 46/2 in 8.6 overs.
Captain Marie Bimenyimana then attempted to rebuild the innings alongside Shakila Niyomuhhoza. However, the latter could not make an impact, departing for a two-ball duck after being caught by Chopra off Aditiba Chudasama. Rwanda found themselves at 46/3, with the USA bowlers gaining control of the proceedings.
Bimenyimana took responsibility for stabilising the innings and found support in Clarisse Uwase. The pair stitched together an important partnership, helping Rwanda recover from the early setbacks. Bimenyimana scored 20 off 37 deliveries, while Uwase contributed 19 from 24 balls, striking two boundaries. Their partnership took Rwanda past the 90-run mark before Claridge completed another stumping, this time dismissing Uwase off Maahi Madhavan’s bowling at 91/4 in 17.6 overs. Bimenyimana followed shortly afterwards, becoming Aditiba Chudasama’s third victim after being stumped by Claridge at 98/5 in 18.5 overs.
Rwanda’s lower order provided a useful late push as Henriette Ishimwe remained unbeaten on seven off five deliveries, while Belise Murekatete added an unbeaten six from five balls. Their efforts, along with 14 extras, helped Rwanda Women reach 107/5 in 20 overs at a run rate of 5.35.
Aditiba Chudasama was the standout performer with the ball for USA Women, claiming three wickets for 15 runs in her three overs. Maahi Madhavan and Taranum Chopra picked up one wicket apiece, conceding 22 and 13 runs respectively. Geetika Kodali finished with figures of 0/22 in four overs, while Sainavi Kambalapalli delivered an economical spell of 1/15, including a maiden over. Ritu Singh conceded 13 runs in her two overs without taking a wicket.
Chasing 108, USA Women needed a composed batting effort but suffered an early setback when Sainavi Kambalapalli was dismissed for two off five deliveries, caught by Rosine Irera off Marie Bimenyimana at 14/1 in 2.3 overs. Chetna Pagydyala, who scored 12 off 23 balls, was the next to depart after being caught by Shakila Niyomuhhoza off Ruth Uwimana’s bowling at 37/2 in 7.2 overs.
Isani Vaghela then became the backbone of the USA innings. She displayed patience and determination, scoring 32 off 33 deliveries, including two boundaries. Alongside Ella Claridge, who contributed eight off 16 balls, Vaghela attempted to rebuild the innings. However, Marie Bimenyimana broke through by dismissing Claridge bowled at 63/3 in 12.3 overs. Vaghela’s resistance came to an end shortly afterwards when she was caught by Bimenyimana off Ruth Uwimana at 65/4 in 13.1 overs.
With the required runs still to be scored, Nikhar Doshi and Taranum Chopra took charge of the chase. The unbeaten pair stitched together a crucial 40-run partnership, keeping USA’s hopes alive until the final over. Doshi remained unbeaten on 19 off 21 deliveries, while Chopra finished with 20 not out from 22 balls. Despite their efforts, the duo could not take their side across the finishing line, as USA Women managed only 105/4 in their 20 overs, falling two runs short.
For Rwanda Women, Ruth Uwimana and Marie Bimenyimana were the leading wicket-takers, claiming two wickets each. Uwimana delivered an impressive spell of 2/13 in four overs, including a maiden, while Bimenyimana picked up 2/26 from her four overs. Henriette Ishimwe conceded 19 runs without taking a wicket, while Rosine Irera was economical with figures of 0/16 in four overs. Alice Ikuzwe conceded 21 runs in three overs, and Belise Murekatete gave away eight runs in her solitary over.
Rwanda Women’s disciplined bowling and ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments ultimately made the difference in a closely fought contest. Although USA Women fought hard through Vaghela’s innings and the late unbeaten partnership between Doshi and Chopra, Rwanda successfully defended their total of 107/5 to register a memorable two-run victory in the Women’s Victoria T20 Series.
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