RWANDA OVERCOME USA AS ITALY WIN IN THRILLER
Media Release
Rwanda Vs USA
Rwanda secured their second win in the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy after edging the United States by just one run in a nail-biting contest at Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali.
The hosts were pushed to the limit, but captain Diane Bimenyimana delivered in the decisive moment, holding her nerve on the final ball to seal a dramatic win and push Rwanda to the top of the table.
Rwanda won the toss and elected to bat posting a competitive total of 127/8 in 20 overs. Gisele Ishimwe led the scoring with 42 runs, while youngster Fanny Utagushimaninde added 32, as the pair anchored the innings with a crucial 77-run opening stand.
In reply, the United States suffered an early setback with the dismissals of Chetna Pagydyala and Pooja Ganesh.
Rwanda appeared in control for much of the chase before Gargi Bhogle’s unbeaten 35 and Ritu Singh’s quickfire 26 off 28 balls—featuring two fours and two sixes—revived the American hopes and set up a tense finish.
With just three runs needed off the final delivery, Bimenyimana stepped up to deliver a match-winning moment, restricting the USA and sealing a narrow one-run victory for Rwanda.
Gisele Ishimwe was named player of the match for her 42 runs off just 34 balls.
Vanuatu Vs Italy
Italy came from the brink of defeat to secure a four-wicket victory over Vanuatu at Gahanga Main Oval, thanks to a match-winning half-century from Ilenia Sims.
Italy won the toss and opted to field first. Vanuatu initially struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Italian bowling attack but managed to post a competitive 114/6 in their 20 overs. Nasimana Navaika led the scoring with 36 off 39 balls, while Rachel Andrew added 14.
In response, Italy endured a shaky start, with their innings faltering early following the dismissals of key players Alexia Kontopirakis and Methnara Rathnayake.
With the chase in danger, Sims anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 52 balls, striking nine fours to guide Italy to victory and as a result picking up player of the match.
Her knock proved decisive as Italy recovered from early setbacks to chase down the target and seal a hard-fought 4-wicket win.
Match Summaries
Rwanda Vs USA
Rwanda Women: 127/4 in 20 overs
USA Women: 126/5 in 20 overs
Rwanda Women won by 1 run
Vanuatu Vs Italy
Vanuatu Women: 114/6 in 20 overs
Italy Women: 115/6 in 19.3 overs
Italy Women won by 4 wickets
Fixtures: Wednesday, 22****nd April 2026
9:00AM: Rwanda Vs Nepal (Gahanga Oval B)
1:00PM: USA Vs Vanuatu (Gahanga Oval B)
Points Table
TEAM
PLAYED
WON
LOST
TIED
NR
POINTS
NRR
Rwanda
3
2
1
0
0
4
+0.5532
Italy
3
2
1
0
0
4
-0.6465
USA
2
1
1
0
0
2
1.0750
Nepal
2
1
1
0
0
2
0.1500
Vanuatu
2
0
2
0
0
0
-1.1209
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Official Tournament hashtag: #ICCWCT2026
Ends