The 5th edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s Invitational Tournament, the Patricia Kambarami Cup, has opened with emphatic victories for Rwanda and hosts Nigeria, setting an electrifying tone for the competition.
Organised in honour of the late Patricia Kambarami, the tournament continues to celebrate her legacy in advancing women’s cricket across Africa, where her impact helped elevate the game to continental and global relevance.
Rwanda’s Historic Statement
Rwanda delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the opening day, dismantling Ghana with a commanding 122-run victory after posting a record 210 runs.
At the heart of the historic outing was Fanny Utagushimaninde, who produced a stunning 101 off 59 balls on her international debut.
Her innings not only anchored Rwanda’s dominance but also saw her become the youngest player to score a century in Women’s T20 International cricket.
Rwanda’s innings began on a blistering note, with early boundaries setting the pace for a relentless batting display.
Ghana, in response, showed brief resistance through Rashidatu Salia, but Rwanda’s disciplined bowling unit, led by Belise Murekatete and Geovanis Uwase, restricted them to 88 for 8 in 20 overs.
Utagushimaninde was named Player of the Match for her record-breaking performance.
Nigeria Assert Authority
Hosts Nigeria matched Rwanda’s dominance with a clinical eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 in the second fixture.
Nigeria’s bowling attack set the tone early, with Anointed Akhigbe making early breakthroughs, while Peace Usen delivered a standout performance, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 80 in 16.5 overs despite modest contributions from Beloved Biza (21), Lorraine Pemhiwa (22), and Nokuntenda Makanhiwa (10).
Chasing 81, Nigeria remained composed, guided by captain Lucky Piety Victory Igbinedion, whose leadership ensured a smooth run chase. The hosts reached 81 for 2 in just 11.2 overs, with Salome Sunday scoring 19 and Amusa adding 13.
Usen’s all-round display earned her the Player of the Match award.
Strong Start to Continental Showcase
With a record-breaking century, dominant bowling displays, and commanding victories, the tournament has begun on a high note, highlighting the rising standard of women’s cricket across Africa.
As matches continue, the Patricia Kambarami Cup is poised to deliver more standout performances, reinforcing its role as a key platform for talent development and the growth of women’s cricket on the continent.Rwanda, Nigeria Dominate as Patricia Kambarami Cup Opens with Record-Breaking Performances
The 5th edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s Invitational Tournament, the Patricia Kambarami Cup, has opened with emphatic victories for Rwanda and hosts Nigeria, setting an electrifying tone for the competition.
Organised in honour of the late Patricia Kambarami, the tournament continues to celebrate her legacy in advancing women’s cricket across Africa, where her impact helped elevate the game to continental and global relevance.
Rwanda’s Historic Statement
Rwanda delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the opening day, dismantling Ghana with a commanding 122-run victory after posting a record 210 runs.
At the heart of the historic outing was Fanny Utagushimaninde, who produced a stunning 101 off 59 balls on her international debut. Her innings not only anchored Rwanda’s dominance but also saw her become the youngest player to score a century in Women’s T20 International cricket.
Rwanda’s innings began on a blistering note, with early boundaries setting the pace for a relentless batting display.
Ghana, in response, showed brief resistance through Rashidatu Salia, but Rwanda’s disciplined bowling unit, led by Belise Murekatete and Geovanis Uwase, restricted them to 88 for 8 in 20 overs.
Utagushimaninde was named Player of the Match for her record-breaking performance.
Nigeria Assert Authority
Hosts Nigeria matched Rwanda’s dominance with a clinical eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 in the second fixture.
Nigeria’s bowling attack set the tone early, with Anointed Akhigbe making early breakthroughs, while Peace Usen delivered a standout performance, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 80 in 16.5 overs despite modest contributions from Beloved Biza (21), Lorraine Pemhiwa (22), and Nokuntenda Makanhiwa (10).
Chasing 81, Nigeria remained composed, guided by captain Lucky Piety Victory Igbinedion, whose leadership ensured a smooth run chase. The hosts reached 81 for 2 in just 11.2 overs, with Salome Sunday scoring 19 and Amusa adding 13.
Usen’s all-round display earned her the Player of the Match award.
Strong Start to Continental Showcase
With a record-breaking century, dominant bowling displays, and commanding victories, the tournament has begun on a high note, highlighting the rising standard of women’s cricket across Africa.
As matches continue, the Patricia Kambarami Cup is poised to deliver more standout performances, reinforcing its role as a key platform for talent development and the growth of women’s cricket on the continent.
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