In the opening match of the Nigeria Women Invitational T20I Tournament (Super League), Rwanda Women delivered a commanding performance to crush Ghana Women by a massive 122 runs at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 20, 2026.
The match, starting at 09:00 AM local time, showcased Rwanda’s superior batting firepower and disciplined bowling as they set a challenging total before restricting Ghana to a low chase.
Match Summary
Rwanda Women elected to bat first (toss details confirmed in some sources) and posted a formidable score in their 20 overs. Key highlights included explosive batting from Fanny Utagushimaninde, who smashed 65 off just 17 balls at a strike rate of 382+, powering Rwanda to a big total.
In response, Ghana struggled throughout their innings, collapsing under pressure from Rwanda’s bowlers. Belise Murekatete starred with the ball, claiming 3 wickets in her 4 overs at an economy of 5.00, while Bimenyimana Marie Diane and Henriette Therese Ishimwe chipped in with economical spells and wickets.
Final scores:
- Rwanda Women: High total (exact full score around 210 in some reports, but confirmed dominant)
- Ghana Women: Significantly lower (around 88 or less, resulting in 122-run defeat)
Rwanda Women won convincingly by 122 runs, marking a strong start to the tournament for the East Africans against their West African opponents.
Top Performers
Batting (Rwanda Women):
- Fanny Utagushimaninde: 65 runs off 17 balls (explosive cameo)
- Uwase Merveille: Quick 19 off 4 balls
Bowling (Rwanda Women):
- Belise Murekatete: 3 wickets in 4 overs
- Bimenyimana Marie Diane: 1 wicket in economical spell
- Henriette Therese Ishimwe: 1 wicket
Ghana’s Kate Awuah showed some resistance but couldn’t turn the tide.
No Player of the Match was explicitly noted in initial reports, but Fanny Utagushimaninde’s blistering knock and the overall team effort point to a potential standout.
Why This Matters for Women’s Cricket in Africa
This emphatic victory highlights Rwanda Women’s growing strength in women’s T20I cricket, especially in associate nations’ tournaments. The Nigeria Invitational provides valuable exposure and competition for emerging sides like Rwanda and Ghana, with Rwanda starting the campaign on a high note.
The tournament continues in Lagos, featuring matches among African women’s teams to build experience ahead of bigger global qualifiers.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Nigeria Women Invitational T20I. What do you think of Rwanda’s dominant display? Share your views in the comments!
