Rwanda Women secured a composed six-wicket victory over Nigeria Women in the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, with disciplined bowling followed by a controlled chase shaping the outcome. The Nigeria Women vs Rwanda Women encounter unfolded as a steady contest marked by early breakthroughs and a measured pursuit of a modest target.
After choosing to bat first, Nigeria suffered an early setback when captain Lucky Piety was trapped lbw for a duck on just the third ball of the innings, giving Belise Murekatete the opening breakthrough at 1/5 in 0.3 overs. Omosigho Eguakun attempted a quick response with 5 off 5 balls, but Murekatete struck again to leave the hosts at 13/2 in 2.3 overs. Further pressure followed when Salome Sunday made 4 off 7 before being caught off Henriette Ishimwe, exposing the middle order at 18/3.
Muhibat Amusa tried to steady the innings with a cautious 11 from 23 deliveries, sharing a brief stand with Christabel Chukwuonye, who scored 9 from 7 balls. However, Rwanda’s bowlers maintained regular strikes. Marie Bimenyimana dismissed Adeshola Adekunle for 2 off 7, while Alice Ikuzwe also contributed key wickets as Nigeria slipped to 35/5 in 7.3 overs, struggling to build any momentum.
The innings was anchored by Esther Sandy, who remained unbeaten on 34 from 31 balls to hold the batting effort together. Limited support from the lower order, with Sarah Etim (2), Usen Peace (2) and Lillian Udeh (2) all unable to convert starts, restricted Nigeria’s progress. Annointed Akhigbe added a late 5 off 15, helping push the total to 90 in 19.1 overs, with extras contributing 14 runs.
Rwanda’s bowling display was collective and effective. Belise Murekatete led the early charge with figures of 2/24, Rosine Irera returned 2/11 with tight control, while Marie Bimenyimana (2/13) and Alice Ikuzwe (2/17) ensured Nigeria could not recover. Henriette Ishimwe also chipped in with one wicket.
In reply, Rwanda faced early setbacks as Gisele Ishimwe was dismissed for 2 and captain Marie Bimenyimana departed for a duck, leaving the side at 7/2. Fanny Uwagushimaninde added a careful 15 from 18 balls, but her wicket at 25/3 briefly revived Nigeria’s hopes. Clarisse Uwase then contributed 17 from 26 balls, forming a stabilising partnership with Merveille Uwase, who remained unbeaten on 13 from 23 deliveries.
The decisive phase came when Henriette Ishimwe took charge of the chase with an aggressive unbeaten 32 from 18 balls, striking seven boundaries at a strike rate of 177.77. Her stand with Merveille Uwase guided Rwanda to 93/4 in 15.4 overs, sealing the win with six wickets in hand and 26 balls remaining.
Nigeria’s bowlers displayed moments of discipline, particularly Lillian Udeh, who delivered an outstanding spell of 2/8 in her four overs. Usen Peace (1/19) and Muhibat Amusa (1/23) also claimed wickets, but the modest target proved difficult to defend.
The Nigeria Women vs Rwanda Women fixture ultimately highlighted Rwanda’s depth in bowling and calm approach with the bat. Contributions across departments enabled them to secure a convincing victory and continue their strong campaign in the tournament.
