Women’s T20i Invitational: Clinical Nigeria Crush Ghana as Rwanda stun South Africa
Our Reporters Match Day 3 of the ongoing regional tournament witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes as Nigeria secured a commanding 136-run victory over Ghana, while Rwanda maintained their unbeaten
Our Reporters
Match Day 3 of the ongoing regional tournament witnessed a day of contrasting fortunes as Nigeria secured a commanding 136-run victory over Ghana, while Rwanda maintained their unbeaten streak with a pulse-pounding 5-run win over South Africa Women’s U-19.
Nigeria elected to bat first and immediately seized control through an aggressive opening stand by Captain Piety Luck and Victory Igbinedion, who reached 44 runs in just three overs. Despite Piety falling for 23 and Igbinedion being forced to retire hurt on 18, Christabel Chukwuonye’s explosive 43 runs off 27 balls anchored the innings, guiding Nigeria to a formidable 159/4 in 20 overs.
The defense was even more ruthless. Nigeria’s bowling unit dismantled the Ghanaian lineup, reducing them to a staggering 13/5 in under seven overs. Ghana offered no resistance, collapsing to 23 all out. Peace Usen was named Player of the Match for her clinical figures of 3 wickets for 9 runs, supported by Mbam Henrietta (3/7) and Favour Effiong (2/2).
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Meanwhile, in the day's marquee matchup, Rwanda overcame a weather-interrupted schedule to defeat South Africa Women’s U-19 by 5 runs.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rwanda’s momentum was briefly halted by lightning threats, resulting in a revised 14-over-per-side contest.
Clarisse Umotoniwase (26) and Fanny Utagushimaninde (24) powered Rwanda to a competitive 101/7. In response, South Africa appeared to be in control of the chase, led by Captain Mieke Van Voorst’s resilient 34 off 27 balls.
Entering the final over needing 11 runs, the South African side was stifled by Rwanda’s disciplined death bowling. After failing to score off the first two deliveries of the over, South Africa finished on 100/4, falling agonizingly short by a single run. Alice Ikuzwe was named Player of the Match for her nerves of steel in the field.
With these results, Rwanda moves to 3 wins from 3 games, establishing themselves as the team to beat, while Nigeria’s second victory keeps them firmly in contention for the title.
