Day 6 of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament promised action packed contests as the tournament heads deeper into the round-robin stage. All eyes are on Rwanda as they continue their dominant streak of wins, this time winning by 6 wickets against Zimbabwe HP XI; along with Uganda maintain their back-to-back wins with recent against Malawi by 50 runs. Tanzania turned the tide winning against Brazil by 9 wickets and Sierra Leone lost its contest against Nigeria.
Match 21: Uganda Women vs Malawi Women
Opting to bat first, Uganda endured a shaky start as early wickets tumbled quickly. Captain Janet Mbabazi was dismissed for just 1 run, followed by Esther Iloku (11) and Immaculate Nakisuuyi (1), putting the side under pressure. However, the innings was stabilized by Kevin Awino, who anchored the middle with a patient 31 off 47, while Rita Musamali contributed a steady 28 off 28. Towards the end, Prosscovia Alako added vital runs with a quickfire 20* off 12, helping Uganda post a defendable total of 103/6. For Malawi, Lucy Malino was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with tidy figures of 2 for 14.
In response, Malawi got off to a promising start, with Lidia Dimba holding one end with a composed 29 off 37. But the innings quickly unraveled as Uganda’s bowlers, led by an extraordinary spell from Stephani Nampiina who ran through the middle and lower order. Malawi suffered a dramatic collapse, with several batters dismissed for ducks, and were eventually bowled out well short of the target in 18 overs.
Match 22: Brazil Women vs Tanzania Women
Brazil, after being asked to bat first, struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Tanzanian bowling attack. Captain Lindsay Boas showed brief resistance with 14 off 20, but the top order quickly crumbled with Laura Agatha managing just 2, and Maria Silva departing for a duck. The middle order offered some fight through Laura Cardoso’s 17 off 25 and Lara Moisés’ 16. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, and Brazil were bowled out for just 75 runs in 17.3 overs. Tanzania’s bowlers were clinical, with Pierce Kamunya picking up 2/11, Nasra Saidi claiming 2/17, and Neema Pius delivering a tight spell of 1/6.
In reply, Tanzania made light work of the modest target. Their openers laid a solid foundation, with star batter Fatuma Kibasu leading from the front with a blistering 47 off just 25 balls. She was well supported by Neema Pius 10* off 20 and Hudaa Omary 9* off 11, who guided the team home comfortably in just 9.1 overs.
Match 23: Nigeria Women vs Sierra Leone Women
Winning the toss, Nigeria chose to bat first and got off to a steady start. The top order showed composure, with Esther Sandy scoring 18 off 19, Muhibat Amusa contributing 23 off 28, and Christabel Chukwuonye adding 20 off 28. However, the middle and lower order couldn’t build on the platform, losing wickets at regular intervals and eventually folding for a modest total of 104 in 19.4 overs. Sierra Leone’s bowlers kept things tight as Celina Bull led the attack with figures of 2/10, Aisha Bangura chipped in with 2/12, while Patricia Pratt 2/17 and Linda Bull 1/10 played crucial supporting roles.
Chasing a target of 105, Sierra Leone began their innings with promise as Emma Kamara anchored the top order with a gritty 40 off 58, and Celina Bull added 12 off 19. However, the innings unraveled dramatically as the middle and lower order collapsed, with several batters falling for single digits and ducks. The team was eventually bowled out for just 68 runs, handing Nigeria a convincing victory. Muhibat Amusa not only shone with the bat but also delivered with the ball, claiming 2/7 in a match-winning all-round performance. She was well supported by Rachael Samson (2/17) and Usen Peace (1/13).
Match 24: Zimbabwe Women vs Rwanda Women
Zimbabwe, opting to bat first, began cautiously with the top order laying a steady foundation. Chiedza Dhururu contributed 13 off 23, while Christabel Chatonzwa was the standout batter with a composed 41 off 37. Loreen Tshuma chipped in with a quick 10 off 10, and Kelly Ndiraya added 13 off 17. However, a middle and lower-order collapse saw Zimbabwe falter, with the team restricted to 99/8 in 20 overs. Rwanda’s bowlers kept the pressure tight, led by a remarkable spell from Henriette Ishimwe, who returned figures of 4/15, while Rosette Shimwamana supported well with 2/17.
In response, Rwanda made the chase look comfortable. The top-order ensured a composed and calculated approach with captain Marie Bimenyimana leading the way with 29 off 37, Merveille Uwase playing a hand of 22 off 33, and Clarisse Uwase adding a brisk 25 off 20. Henriette Ishimwe, capping off a stellar all-round performance, remained unbeaten on 14* off 15, guiding her team to victory in 18.4 overs. Despite efforts from Michelle Mavunga (2/18) and Nomvelo Sibanda (1/8), Zimbabwe couldn’t stop Rwanda’s confident march.
Loves all things female cricket