Nigeria, Rwanda in battle royale for Patricia Kambarami Cup
Our Reporters Nigeria Women’s U-19 will look to complete a dominant tournament run when they face Rwanda in today’s final of 5th Nigeria Women’s Invitational WT20i (Patricia Kambarami Cup), after
Our Reporters
Nigeria Women's U-19 will look to complete a dominant tournament run when they face Rwanda in today’s final of 5th Nigeria Women's Invitational WT20i (Patricia Kambarami Cup), after dismantling South Africa with a ruthless seven-wicket victory in the semi-finals.
The Nigerians never broke a sweat against South Africa, reducing the Proteas Women's U-19 to five wickets down for just 6 runs inside four overs. South Africa limped to 66 all out in 17 overs — a total Nigeria overhauled in fewer than 10, with captain Lucky Piety killing the contest by smashing two sixes off her first two deliveries.
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It was a performance that sent a message. Lilian Ude claimed 3 wickets for 6 runs in 4 overs and was named Player of the Match. In doing so, she reached the career milestone of 150 wickets. Nigeria's bowling attack has been the most suffocating in the tournament, and Rwanda will have watched Thursday's semi-final with concern.
Rwanda, for their part, showed they can dig deep. Their semi-final against Zimbabwe went down to the wire — the East Africans chasing 136 in 20 overs and crossing the line in the penultimate over to win by 5 wickets. Captain Marie Diane Bimenyinmana's 34 off 41 balls held the chase together when it mattered most, while Giselle Ishimwe's 37 off 24 balls gave Rwanda the early momentum they needed.
The final is a clash of contrasting styles — Nigeria's disciplined bowling attack against Rwanda's ability to bat under pressure and find match-winners at the biggest moments.
Nigeria arrive as clear favourites. But Rwanda have already shown they know how to win ugly. The final promises fireworks.
