Rwanda secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Nigeria in a keenly contested encounter between two familiar rivals, at the 5th Women’s Invitational T20i cricket tournament in Lagos State.
Nigeria, after winning the toss, elected to bat first with Captain Lucky Piety and Eguakun Omosigho opening the innings. The decision to bat first quickly backfired as Rwanda struck early, dismissing Piety for a leg-before-wicket in just the third ball of the match.
Eguakun fell in the third over, while Salome Sunday departed at the end of the fourth over, leaving Nigeria struggling at 18 for 3.
The batting side failed to recover from the early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals and managing only 31 runs for 3 at the end of the power play.
In spite of a resilient unbeaten 36 off 31 balls from Esther Sandy, Nigeria were bowled out for 90 runs in 19.1 overs.
Rwanda’s bowling attack was impressive, with Belise Murekatete, Rosine Irera, Marie Diane Bimenyimana and Alice Ikuzwe claiming two wickets apiece.
In response, Rwanda approached the chase cautiously but steadily. Nigeria made early inroads, removing Gisele Ishimwe and captain Marie Diane cheaply to reduce Rwanda to 12 runs after five overs.
However, lapses in the middle overs, including costly extras, allowed Rwanda to rebuild. Henriette Ishimwe anchored the innings with an unbeaten 32 off 18 balls, supported by Clarisse Umutoniwase’s 17.
Rwanda eventually chased down the target, scoring 93 for 4 in 15.4 overs to record their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.
Henriette Ishimwe Alice Ikuzwe was named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution.
I’m delighted to have played a role in the team’s win,” Ishimwe said after earning the Player of the Match award.