Rwanda Women Hold Nerve to Beat USA in Last-Over Thriller
Rwanda Women held their nerve to secure a thrilling one-run victory over United States of America Women in a closely contested encounter at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali, as the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 continued on Tuesday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Rwanda Women produced a competitive total of 127 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, built around a composed and match-defining innings from Gisele Ishimwe, who was later named Player of the Match. Ishimwe anchored the innings with a fluent 42 off 34 balls, striking five boundaries and a six, and played a pivotal role in guiding her side through the middle overs.
Rwanda got off to a steady start, with Fanny Utagushimaninde contributing a valuable 32 from 37 deliveries. The pair laid a solid foundation, taking the score to 77 before Ishimwe departed in the 12th over. Utagushimaninde soon followed, leaving the middle order with the responsibility to push the total further.
Clarise Umutoniwase added a handy 19 off 20 balls, while Alice Ikuzwe remained unbeaten on 16 to ensure Rwanda maintained momentum in the closing stages. A quick cameo from Henriette Ishimwe, who struck 9 off just 6 balls, helped Rwanda reach a defendable total. Among the USA bowlers, Taranum Chopra was the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for just 5 runs in her two overs, while Maahi Madhavan and Jivana Aras chipped in with a wicket apiece.
In response, USA Women faltered early under pressure, losing quick wickets in the powerplay. Sainavi Kamabalapalli provided a brisk start with 24 off 17 balls, but the early dismissals of Chetna Pagydyala, Isani Vaghela, and Pooja Ganesh left the visitors struggling at 37 for 4.
The innings was steadied by a resilient partnership between Gargi Bhogle and Ritu Singh. Bhogle remained unbeaten on 35 from 35 balls, while Singh contributed a crucial 26 off 28 deliveries, including two boundaries and two sixes. Their efforts revived USA’s hopes as they gradually rebuilt the innings.
However, Rwanda’s disciplined bowling attack kept the pressure intact. Henriette Ishimwe played a key role with the ball, picking up 2 wickets for 20 runs in her four overs, while Marie Bimenyimana and Rosette Shimwamana also chipped in with important breakthroughs.
With the match going down to the final over, USA needed a handful of runs with wickets in hand. Aditi Chudasama fought hard with an unbeaten 24 off 22 balls, but Rwanda’s bowlers held their composure in the closing moments to restrict USA to 126 for 5, falling agonizingly short by just one run.
The narrow victory marked a significant moment for Rwanda Women, showcasing their growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.
