Rwanda’s women’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance, defeating Nigeria’s Female Yellow Green by six wickets to maintain their unbeaten run at the ongoing Patricia Kambarami Cup in Lagos.
Played at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square Oval, the victory strengthened Rwanda’s dominance over the hosts in recent meetings and their grip at the top of the standings.
Nigeria Collapse Despite Esther Sandy’s Resistance
Batting first, Nigeria’s Female Yellow Green endured a difficult outing, struggling to build any meaningful momentum as Rwanda’s disciplined bowling attack tore through the lineup.
The hosts were bowled out for 90 in 19.1 overs, with early wickets setting the tone for a disappointing innings:
- Captain Piety Lucky and Omosigho Eguakun fell with just five runs on the board
- Kehinde Amusa, Salome Sunday, and Shola Adekunle followed in quick succession
Amid the collapse, Esther Sandy emerged as Nigeria’s standout performer, producing a fighting knock of 36 runs off 31 balls to offer some resistance and push the total to a modest score.
Rwanda Stay Calm to Seal Comfortable Victory
In response, Rwanda approached the chase with composure and maturity, absorbing early pressure before taking control of the game.
Nigeria’s Female Yellow Green briefly threatened through Lilian Ude, who picked up two key wickets to unsettle Rwanda’s top order. Contributions also came from Amusa and Peace Usen, each claiming a wicket.
However, Rwanda’s depth and discipline proved decisive as they rebuilt steadily, keeping the required run rate in check.
The visitors eventually cruised to 93 for 4 in 15.4 overs, sealing a comfortable win and reinforcing their status as tournament favourites.
“Everyone Is Contributing” – Captain Hails Team Effort
Rwanda captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana credited the team’s collective effort for their impressive run in the competition.
“We are doing all the departments very correctly. That’s why we are getting these wins.”
“We are not relying on anyone, so everyone is contributing, whether with the ball, with the pad.”
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, she added:
“Just to go switch off and make sure that we relax for now, as we are waiting for the semi-final to know we are playing with and we make sure that we do all the things correctly on the semi-final.”
Standings: Rwanda Lead, Nigeria Under Pressure
The result sees Rwanda remain unbeaten with eight points from four matches, firmly on top of the table.
Nigeria, meanwhile, sit second with four points from three matches, but now face increasing pressure with qualification for the semi-finals still in play.
South Africa U-19 Close In
Adding to Nigeria’s concerns, South Africa Women’s Under-19 cricket team are closing the gap after securing a 28-run victory over Zimbabwe U-19.
With the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals, the race is intensifying ahead of Saturday’s final showdown.
What’s Next?
Nigeria will look to bounce back quickly when they face South Africa U-19, a crucial clash that could define their path to the knockout stage.
For Rwanda, the focus shifts to maintaining their perfect record as they prepare for the semi-finals as they now enter as clear favourites.
