RWANDA AND NEPAL GET FIRST WINS AT ICC WOMEN’S CHALLENGE TROPHY
Media Release
Rwanda bounced back from their opening loss to Italy with a convincing 41-run victory over Vanuatu on Sunday at The Gahanga Cricket Stadium Main Oval.
Unlike their rain-affected opening game, which was decided using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, conditions were clear this time, allowing the hosts to make the most of home advantage and secure their first win of the tournament.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Rwanda posted 109 runs in their 20 overs. Vanuatu struggled in response and were bowled out for just 68, falling well short of the target.
Captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana delivered an impressive all-round performance, scoring 28 runs and claiming 3 wickets for 18 runs in her four overs to earn Player of the Match honors.
Nepal vs Italy
Nepal also secured their first win of the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy, defeating Italy by 50 runs at the same venue.
The team responded strongly after their opening loss to the United States, producing a dominant display against an Italian side that struggled with the bat.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nepal posted 112/8 in their 20 overs, with Puja Mahato leading the charge with an unbeaten 48 off 45 balls, including two fours and a six.
Italy’s chase got off to a poor start and never recovered, as Nepal’s disciplined bowling led by Rubina Cchetry kept them under constant pressure. Alexia Kontopirakis, who starred in Italy’s opening match against Rwanda, was dismissed for just six runs. Italy eventually finished on 62/9 in 18.4 overs, handing Nepal a comfortable victory. Rubina Cchetry was awarded as player of the match for her 4 wickets for 4 runs in 2.4 overs.
The teams will rest on Monday 20th April before returning to action on Tuesday 21st April.
Match Summaries
Rwanda Vs Vanuatu
Rwanda Women: 109/8 in 20 overs
Vanuatu Women: 68/10 in 19.3 overs
Rwanda Women won by 41 runs
Nepal Vs Italy
Nepal Women: 112/8 in 20 overs
Italy Women: 62/9 in 18.4 overs
Nepal Women won by 50 runs
Fixtures: Tuesday, 21****st April 2026
9:00AM: Rwanda Vs USA (Gahanga Main Oval)
1:00PM: Vanuatu Vs Italy (Gahanga Main Oval)
Points Table
TEAM
PLAYED
WON
LOST
TIED
NR
POINTS
NRR
USA
1
1
0
0
0
2
+2.2000
Rwanda
2
1
1
0
0
2
0.9259
Nepal
2
1
1
0
0
2
0.1500
Italy
2
1
1
0
0
2
-1.2593
Vanuatu
1
0
1
0
0
0
-2.0500
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Official Tournament hashtag: #ICCWCT2026
Ends