ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy: US crowned Champions, Rwanda finish third

The United States were crowned champions of the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy after a competitive tournament in Kigali, where hosts Rwanda secured a respectable third-place finish.

Started on April 18, the event highlighted the growing strength of women’s cricket among emerging nations, despite several matches being affected by rain interruptions.

Rwanda’s final fixture saw them take on the United States in a crucial encounter.

After winning the toss, Rwanda elected to bowl first, aiming to exploit early conditions.

The United States built a steady innings, reaching 62 runs in 15.2 overs before rain halted play.

Rwanda’s bowlers had kept the contest competitive by taking important wickets at regular intervals.

Persistent rainfall meant the match could not resume, forcing officials to abandon play.

Both teams were awarded one point each, a result that confirmed the United States as tournament leaders and eventual champions based on overall standings.

In another rain-affected match, Nepal faced Italy in a contest reduced to seven overs per side.

Italy batted first and posted 36 runs, losing six wickets under pressure from Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack.

Nepal responded confidently, chasing down the target in just 3.3 overs with only two wickets lost, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket victory.

The result secured Nepal a second-place finish, underlining their consistency and strong all-round performances throughout the tournament.

At the conclusion of the competition, the United States topped the table to lift the trophy, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling departments.

Nepal finished as runners-up, while Rwanda’s third-place position reflected steady progress and competitive resilience on home soil.

Italy ended in fourth place, with Vanuatu completing the standings in fifth.

Organized by the International Cricket Council, the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy aims to provide Associate Member nations with valuable international exposure.

The tournament serves as a platform to strengthen women’s cricket by increasing match opportunities and improving performance standards.

Held at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, the competition brought together Rwanda, Nepal, the United States, Italy, and Vanuatu in a round-robin format.

It marked an important milestone for Rwanda as hosts, further demonstrating the country’s growing role in international cricket development.

Despite weather disruptions, the tournament successfully showcased emerging talent and reinforced the global expansion of women’s cricket.

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Hosting this tournament is a great honor for us, said RCA president Musaale Stephen