Nepal edge Rwanda as USA go top with win over Vanuatu
Media Release
Rwanda Vs Nepal
Rwanda surrendered top spot in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy after a narrow two-wicket defeat to Nepal in a thrilling Matchday at Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
Rwanda won the toss and elected to bat but suffered early setbacks with the dismissals of key players Fanny Utagushimaninde and Gisele Ishimwe, who had starred in the previous win over the United States.
Their departures proved costly as Rwanda struggled to build momentum. Alice Ikuzwe (17 off 31 balls) and Mervielle Uwase (15 off 20) attempted to steady the innings, but the hosts were bowled out for a modest 88 in 19.3 overs.
Chasing 89 for victory, Nepal approached the innings with confidence but were made to work hard by Rwanda’s bowlers.
Opener Samjhana Khadka led the chase with a composed 48 off 42 balls, including seven boundaries, while Puja Mahato added 13 runs. Despite a late fightback from Rwanda, Nepal reached 89/8 to seal a two-wicket win.
USA vs Vanuatu
In the afternoon fixture, the United States climbed to the top of the standings with a convincing 52-run victory over Vanuatu at Gahanga Oval B.
The USA posted an imposing 153/6 in their 20 overs, producing a disciplined batting performance before restricting Vanuatu to 101 all out.
Chetna Reddy Pagydyala starred with the bat, scoring a commanding 81 off 61 balls to earn Player of the Match honours. Her innings laid the foundation for a dominant all-round display by the Americans.
For Vanuatu, Selina Solman was the standout performer with 52 off 42 balls, but lacked sufficient support as her side slumped to a third consecutive defeat in the tournament.
The teams will take a rest on Thursday and will return to action on Friday.
Match Summaries
Rwanda Vs Nepal
Rwanda Women: 88/10 in 20 overs
Nepal Women: 89/8 in 19.4 overs
Nepal Women won by 2 Wickets
USA Vs Vanuatu
USA Women: 153/6 in 20 overs
Vanuatu Women: 101/10 in 20 overs
USA Women won by 52 Runs
Fixtures: Friday, 24th April 2026
9:00AM: Nepal Vs Vanuatu (Gahanga Main Oval)
1:00PM: Italy Vs USA (Gahanga Main Oval)
TEAM | PLAYED | WON | LOST | TIED | NR | POINTS | NRR |
USA | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1.5833 |
Rwanda | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.3471 |
Nepal | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.1427 |
Italy | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -0.6465 |
Vanuatu | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.6195 |
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Official Tournament hashtag: #ICCWCT2026