Rwanda Women delivered a clinical all-round performance to secure a convincing 51-run victory over Sierra Leone Women in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division Two Qualifier. The match, held at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1 in Gaborone, concluded a flawless tournament for Rwanda, who now progresses to Division One of the qualification pathways for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Opting to bat first, Rwanda posted a competitive total of 135 for 7 from their 20 overs. Captain Marie Bimenyimana anchored the innings with a composed 40 off 46 deliveries, while Gisele Ishimwe produced a match-winning knock of 44 from just 28 balls to lift the scoring rate. Georgette Ingabire added a steady 18 as Rwanda built partnerships through the middle overs.
Sierra Leone’s bowlers showed commendable fight, with Aminata Kamara, Ann Marie Kamara, and Fatu Pessima all taking two wickets each. Linda Bull also claimed one wicket. While the bowling was disciplined in patches, six wides and other extras added unwanted pressure.
Sierra Leone’s chase faltered from the outset, with Rwanda’s bowlers applying early pressure and striking regularly. Belise Murekatete led the attack with figures of 2 for 9 from her three overs. She was supported by Rosette Shimwamana and Henriette Ishimwe, both claiming 2 for 12.
Rwanda’s fielding was sharp and energetic, with several direct hit runouts in the inner ring and safe catching in the deep. The discipline in the field complemented the bowling attack and ensured Sierra Leone was never allowed to settle.
Linda Bull managed to score 19 runs and was the top scorer for her team in the finals. Zainab Kamara, who scored 11 off 17 balls, and Emma Kamara, with 14, managed to offer any resistance as the Sierra Leone batters struggled to rotate the strike or form meaningful partnerships. They were eventually bowled out for 84 in 18.1 overs, falling well short of the target.
While Sierra Leone showed promise throughout the tournament, their lack of batting depth was exposed in the final. However, they still progress to the Division One Qualifier and will take valuable lessons from the experience. Rwanda, meanwhile, has firmly established itself as a rising force in African women’s cricket, finishing the tournament unbeaten and displaying strength in all departments.
Both teams will now turn their focus to the next stage in Namibia later this year, where tougher opposition awaits and the chance to qualify for the global stage becomes even more tangible.
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