No clear frontrunner as ICC Women's Challenge Trophy approaches halfway stage

Tight race continues heading into matchday five of the ICC T20I Challenge Trophy.

24 April, 2026

A four-way tie at the top of the ICC Women's Challenge Trophy points towards a thrilling finish of the inaugural competition in Rwanda.

As the hosts have their bye on matchday five and will see at least one team climb past them, Nepal, Italy and the USA all have the chance to make a move heading into the back half of the competition.

The Nepalis can put a marker down with a victory over Vanuatu in the morning fixture, though the afternoon contest will see either USA or Italy move to three wins assuming rain doesn't have the final say.

It will be no small order for the Nepali's to continue their charge under Indu Barma, who take on Rachel Andrew's side desperate for a victory, especially after their heart-breaking final-over defeat to Italy on Tuesday.

Vanuatu v Italy | Match Highlights | ICC Women's T20 Challenge Trophy

Watch the highlights as Italy beat Vanuatu by 4 wickets at the ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy.

Italy showed their class on the opening day in the midst of weather setbacks with a confident win over the Rwandans, and overcame a defeat to Nepal before their heart-stopper against Vanuatu, where Ilenia Sims' 61 not out and a run out proved to be the difference.

The Americans by contrast brushed aside Nepal by 44 runs, though fell just a run short against the Rwandans in match five to drop points.

Rwanda v USA | Match Highlights | ICC Women's T20 Challenge Trophy

Watch the highlights as Rwanda beat USA by 1 run at the ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy.

Chetna Pagydyala then showed why she is one of the more highly-touted young batters in the emerging game, pummeling 81 not out from just 61 balls to help her side put up 153/6 against Vanuatu, the highest score in the competition.

Key early wickets to stifle Vanuatu's top order ensured the Americans' second victory.

Italy v Nepal | Match Highlights | ICC Women's T20 Challenge Trophy

italy W vs Nepal W - Match Highlights (1).mp4 (2026-04-19 23:35:20Z)

The Challenge Trophy is one of the new events added by the ICC to the international calendar to provide more exposure to Associate Members, along with the Emerging Nations Trophy, the inaugural edition of which was held last November. It features the highest placed team from each of the ICC’s five regions to not feature in the Emerging Nations Trophy.

The Gahanga Cricket Stadium's two adjoining grounds are hosting the tournament. All five teams confirmed their participation through their finishing positions in the regional Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in 2025.

Nepal v USA | Match Highlights | ICC Women's T20 Challenge Trophy

USA got off to a winning start in the ICC Women's T20 Challenge Trophy as they clinched a 44-run triumph over Nepal.

The tournament comes as the Women's T20 World Cup expands to 12 teams in 2026, with the ICC Board in 2024 also confirming that the Women’s T20 World Cup of 2030 will feature 16 teams.

The tournament is available to watch live and free on ICC.tv with highlights available on icc-cricket.com.