Rwanda Women survived a late scare to secure a narrow three-run win over Vanuatu Women in Match 11 of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium. In a contest that swung dramatically, Rwanda posted 133 for 5 before restricting Vanuatu to 130 for 3 in a tense finish.
Rwanda Recover After Early Setback
Opting to bat first, Rwanda endured a difficult start, losing two early wickets within the first seven overs with only 27 runs on the board. Gisele Ishimwe was dismissed for 2, followed by Fanny Utagushimaninde for 17.
Alice Ikuzwe then stabilised the innings with a steady 35 off 35 balls, guiding the recovery before her dismissal at 101 for 3 in the 15th over. From there, Marveille Uwase took control, producing a match-defining knock of 60 from 43 balls, striking seven boundaries.
Uwase’s dismissal in the penultimate over, with the score at 132 for 5, was followed by a quick contribution from Clarisse Uwase, who added 10 from 6 balls to push Rwanda to 133 for 5.
Vanuatu’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Selina Solman and Nasimana Navaika picking up two wickets each, while Susan Stephen claimed one.
Langiatu Leads Vanuatu’s Chase
In response, Vanuatu lost Susan Stephen early for 11, but Valenta Langiatu anchored the chase with an unbeaten 71 from 63 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
Captain Rachel Andrew supported her with a measured 23 off 35 balls as the pair kept Vanuatu in contention. However, after Andrew’s dismissal with the score at 84 in the 14th over, the required rate began to climb.
Selina Solman added 7 from 7 balls, but Vanuatu struggled to maintain momentum despite Langiatu holding firm at one end.
Last-Over Drama Seals Rwanda Win
The match went down to the wire, with Vanuatu needing 10 runs from the final over after scoring 9 in the penultimate. However, they were unable to find the boundary required to complete the chase.
Rwanda’s bowlers conceded 17 extras, including 14 wides, which gave Vanuatu a chance, but the hosts managed to hold on.
Rosine Uwera was the most economical, returning 1 for 17 from three overs, while Giovannis Uwase claimed the key wicket of Rachel Andrew, finishing with 1 for 25 from four overs.
The result lifted Rwanda to second place on the table, while Vanuatu remained at the bottom after falling short in a closely contested encounter.
