Rwanda Women secured a dramatic one-run victory over the United States of America in Match 5 of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, successfully defending 127 in a contest that went down to the final over.
Strong Opening Sets the Tone
Rwanda posted 127/4, largely built on a solid opening partnership between Fanny Utagushimaninde and Gisele Ishimwe. The duo added 77 runs for the first wicket, laying a strong platform during the first half of the innings.
Utagushimaninde contributed 32 off 37 balls, including four boundaries, while Ishimwe led the scoring with a composed 42 off 34 deliveries, striking five fours and a six. Her innings combined controlled aggression with effective strike rotation, ensuring Rwanda maintained a steady scoring rate.
Middle Order Adds Late Push
After Ishimwe’s dismissal in the 12th over, the momentum dipped slightly, but the foundation allowed the middle order to build without unnecessary risks. Clarisse Uwase added 19 off 20 balls, while Alice Ikuzwe remained unbeaten on 16 from 22 deliveries.
A late cameo from Henriette Ishimwe, who scored 9 off 6 balls with a six, helped Rwanda finish strongly at 127/4, with eight extras contributing to the total.
For USA, Taranum Chopra delivered an impressive spell of 2 for 5 in two overs. Maahi Madhavan and Jivana Aras picked up one wicket each but could not prevent Rwanda from setting a competitive target.
Early Collapse Hurts USA
Chasing 128, USA struggled to gain momentum early, losing wickets at regular intervals to slip to 37/4 within seven overs. Sainavi Kambalapalli provided some intent at the top with a quick 24 off 17 balls, but her dismissal further set the chase back.
The recovery effort came through a key partnership between Gargi Bhogle and Ritu Singh. Ritu played an attacking innings of 26 off 28 balls, including two fours and two sixes, while Bhogle anchored the chase with an unbeaten 35 off 35 deliveries.
Captain Aditiba Chudasama added stability with a composed 24* off 22 balls, helping take the game deep. However, the early setbacks meant USA were always slightly behind the required rate.
Rwanda Secure a Narrow Victory
Rwanda’s bowlers remained disciplined under pressure, with Henriette Ishimwe leading the attack with figures of 2 for 20 in her four overs. Marie Bimenyimana (1/15) and Rosette Shimwamana (1/24) also contributed, while Gisele Ishimwe was economical, conceding just 12 runs in two overs.
With USA needing a controlled finish in the last over, Rwanda restricted them to six runs, sealing a narrow one-run victory as USA ended on 126/5 in their 20 overs.
Gisele Ishimwe was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance, playing a crucial role in Rwanda’s hard-fought win.
