Rwanda Women delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women Under-19 by 60 runs in the fourth match of the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament in Lagos. A composed batting display followed by disciplined bowling ensured a convincing victory.
After choosing to bat first, Rwanda began steadily without early acceleration. Fanny Utagushimaninde struggled to gain momentum and was dismissed for 6 from 20 deliveries at 32 for 1 in 5.5 overs. The innings was then stabilised by Gisele Ishimwe, who provided both composure and scoring intent. Her 40 from 32 balls, featuring six boundaries, formed the foundation of Rwanda’s total.
Captain Marie Bimenyimana offered brief support before being run out after scoring 7, leaving the side at 52 for 2 in 9.2 overs. The momentum improved during the partnership between Ishimwe and Clarisse Uwase, who added valuable runs in the middle overs. Uwase made a measured 19 from 23 balls before falling at 94 in 15.3 overs. Ishimwe’s earlier dismissal at 75 for 3 in 13.2 overs had temporarily slowed the progress, but the lower middle order regained control of the innings.
Merveille Uwase provided the decisive late push with an unbeaten 39 from just 20 deliveries, striking three fours and a six at a strike rate of 195.00. She combined effectively with Henriette Ishimwe, who scored 10 from 11 balls, and later with Alice Ikuwze, who remained not out on 9 from 4. Their contributions ensured Rwanda finished strongly to post 143 for 5 in their 20 overs, with extras adding 13 runs.
Zimbabwe Women U19 bowlers produced mixed results. Buhlebenkosi Maposa was the most economical, taking 1 for 17 in three overs. Christine Mutasa and Tadiwa Garutsa also claimed a wicket each, conceding 18 and 23 runs respectively, while others, including Tawananaysha Zvomarima, struggled to contain the scoring during the latter stages.
In pursuit of 144, Zimbabwe Women U19 faltered early as Rwanda’s bowlers struck repeatedly. The innings quickly slipped to 14 for 4 within 3.2 overs, with Nicolette Nyika and Lorraine Pemhiwa departing cheaply. Beloved Biza’s 13 from 11 balls offered brief resistance, but the early collapse set the tone for a difficult chase.
Bimenyimana led the bowling effort with a decisive spell, finishing with figures of 4 for 17 from 3.4 overs. Rosette Shimwamana supported with three wickets, while Rosine Irera added two more to maintain consistent pressure. Their combined efforts ensured Zimbabwe were unable to form any substantial partnerships.
Christine Mutasa provided the main challenge with a counterattacking 41 from 27 balls, striking five boundaries and two sixes. She shared a short stand with Salem Museka, who scored 14 from 11 deliveries, but once that partnership ended at 40, the innings unravelled. Regular wickets, including a run-out of Maposa, brought the chase to an early conclusion.
Zimbabwe Women U19 were eventually dismissed for 83 in 13.4 overs, handing Rwanda Women a comprehensive 60-run victory built on disciplined batting, explosive finishing and effective bowling.
