Rwanda overcome Vanuatu as USA’s impressive ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy run continues
Media Release
Rwanda Vs Vanuatu
Rwanda survived a late scare to defeat Vanuatu by three runs in a Matchday 5 clash at Gahanga Oval B in Kigali. This marked the start of the second round of the Tournament.
The tightly contested encounter ended in favour of the hosts, who maintained second place and kept their hopes of finishing top of the table alive.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rwanda suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Gisele Ishimwe in the fourth over for just two runs.
However, Merveille Uwase stepped up with a Player of the Match performance, scoring a brilliant 60 off 43 balls, including seven boundaries, to anchor Rwanda’s innings.
She was well supported by Alice Ikuzwe, who contributed 35 off 35 balls, while youngster Fanny Utagushimaninde added 17 off 21 deliveries, helping Rwanda post a competitive total of 133 before the innings break.
In reply, Vanuatu made a mixed start, with opener Susan Stephen scoring a quick 11 before being dismissed in the fourth over. Her departure left the visitors under pressure.
Valenta Langiatu then rose to the occasion, leading a spirited fightback. She combined with Rachel Andrew in a crucial partnership that yielded more than 50 runs before Andrew fell in the 15th over.
Langiatu remained unbeaten on an impressive 71 off 63 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, but her efforts were not enough as Vanuatu fell just short, finishing on 130/3.
Nepal Vs USA
The United States continued their impressive run with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Nepal at Gahanga Oval B on Sunday.
The win, their fourth in a row, kept them at the top of the standings ahead of Monday’s clash against Vanuatu.
Nepal won the toss and opted to bat but endured a difficult start, losing Bindu Rawal (3), Puja Mahato (8), and Kabita Joshi (1) early in the innings.
Despite the setbacks, opener Rubi Poddar held firm, scoring an unbeaten 51 off 51 balls, including five fours and a six, to guide Nepal to 86/6 in 20 overs.
In response, the USA chased down the modest target of 87 with ease, reaching it in just 11.5 overs.
Isani Vaghela led the charge with 35 off 29 balls, while Sainavi Kambalapalli added 21 off 17 deliveries, sealing a comfortable win and extending the Americans’ unbeaten run in Kigali. Isani secured her second player of the match award.
Match Summaries
Rwanda Vs Vanuatu
Rwanda Women: 133/5 in 20 overs.
Vanuatu Women: 130/3 in 20 overs
Rwanda Women won by 3 Runs
Nepal Vs USA
Nepal Women: 86/6 in 20 overs
USA Women: 89/3 in 11.5 overs
USA Women won by 7 Wickets
Fixtures: Monday, 27****th April 2026
9:00AM: Rwanda Vs Italy (Gahanga Main Oval)
1:00PM: USA Vs Vanuatu (Gahanga Main Oval)
Points Table
TEAM
PLAYED
WON
LOST
TIED
NR
POINTS
NRR
USA
5
4
1
0
0
8
2.2665
Rwanda
5
3
2
0
0
6
0.3007
Nepal
5
2
3
0
0
4
-0.5734
Italy
4
2
2
0
0
4
-1.5316
Vanuatu
5
1
4
0
0
2
-0.7794
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Official Tournament hashtag: #ICCWCT2026