Cricket: Rwanda outlast Botswana by 55 runs in ILT20 Continent Cup opener

Rwanda made a winning start to the 2026 ILT20 Africa Continental Cup, overcoming Botswana by 55 runs at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali.

After Botswana won the toss and elected to field, Rwanda responded with an impressive 192/2 from their allotted 20 overs, setting the tone for a commanding opening performance.

Captain Didier Ndikubwimana led the way with a composed and influential innings of 69 from 60 balls, including six fours and four sixes.

He was well supported by Hamza Khan, who scored an aggressive 53 from 34 deliveries, hitting three fours and four sixes.

The pair combined for an important 122-run partnership, providing Rwanda with a solid foundation and putting the hosts firmly in control.

Rwanda'’ lower order then maintained the momentum as the hosts finished on 192/2 after 20 overs.

Botswana began their chase with determination, but Rwanda’s bowling attack gradually took control.

The visitors struggled to maintain the required scoring rate as Rwanda continued to take wickets at crucial stages of the innings.

Botswana eventually finished on 137/7 after 20 overs, handing Rwanda a convincing 55-run victory.

Ndikubwimana was named Player of the Match following his influential captain’s innings, which played a central role in Rwanda’s successful start to the competition.

The victory marks a positive beginning for Rwanda in the ILT20 Africa Continental Cup, a tournament that provides an important competitive platform for African Associate cricket.

The ILT20 Africa Continental Cup began in 2023, with Uganda crowned the inaugural champions after edging Kenya by one run in a thrilling final in Nairobi.

Uganda retained the title in 2024, defeating Nigeria by five wickets in Kigali.

As the only previous champions, Uganda enter the 2026 edition aiming to extend their dominance and claim a third consecutive title.

Elsewhere, Kenya also opened their campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Sierra Leone.

Kenya posted 204/7 from their 20 overs before their bowlers restricted Sierra Leone to 110/7.

Tomorrow, Rwanda will take on Kenya at 13:30, while Uganda face Sierra Leone at 09:30.

The 2026 edition features five teams — Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana and Sierra Leone — with Kigali hosting the tournament at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.

Photos

• Kenya vs Sierra Leone

• Tomorrow