Cricket: Rwanda claims dominant win over Vanuatu in Challenge Trophy

The Rwanda Women’s National Cricket Team delivered a composed performance at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, combining controlled batting and incisive bowling to secure a convincing 41-run victory over Vanuatu in their second outing of the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy.

Winning the toss, Rwanda opted to bat first, aiming to set a competitive target on a surface that offered early assistance to bowlers.

The hosts navigated a challenging start, with Vanuatu’s disciplined attack applying pressure through tight lines and regular breakthroughs.

Despite losing wickets at intervals, Rwanda’s middle order showed composure and resilience, rotating the strike effectively and capitalizing on loose deliveries to post a total of 109/8 in their 20 overs.

The innings was built on crucial partnerships that steadied the ship after early setbacks, ensuring Rwanda had a defendable score.

While Vanuatu’s bowlers deserve credit for maintaining control and limiting boundary opportunities, Rwanda’s ability to adapt to conditions proved decisive.

Defending 110, Rwanda’s bowlers rose to the occasion with a clinical display of accuracy and intent.

They struck early to disrupt Vanuatu’s chase and maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.

The fielding unit complemented the bowling effort with sharp stops and disciplined positioning, preventing the opposition from building momentum.

Vanuatu struggled to establish meaningful partnerships, with wickets falling at regular intervals.

Rwanda’s bowlers executed their plans with precision, varying pace and length effectively to exploit conditions. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 68 runs in 19.3 overs, sealing a comprehensive 41-run victory for the hosts.

Captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana led from the front and was named Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution, highlighting her leadership and influence in guiding the team to victory.

Elsewhere, Nepal secured a convising 50-run win over Italy.

Nepal posted 112/8 in 20 overs before delivering a strong bowling performance to dismiss Italy for 62 in 18.4 overs, underlining their credentials as strong contenders in the tournament.

The tournament continues on Tuesday, with Rwanda set to face the United States at 9:00 a.m., while Vanuatu take on Italy at 1:00 p.m.

With this convincing victory, Rwanda gains crucial momentum and confidence as they continue their campaign on home soil.

Photos

• Nepal vs Italy