Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Rwanda by nine runs in a tense final and win the NCF Women’s Invitational Championship (Patricia Kambarami Cup), defending the lowest total of the tournament under immense pressure.
In a final widely described as a “clash of titans,” the long-standing rivalry between both sides delivered high drama, with Nigeria overturning what had looked like a losing position to seal the title.
After winning the toss, Nigeria chose to bat but struggled to build momentum. Dot balls mounted and scoring opportunities proved scarce. Esther Sandy offered brief stability with 26 off 28 balls, while captain Lucky Piety contributed a brisk 17.
However, Rwanda’s disciplined bowling attack soon took control.
Rwanda captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana produced the standout moment of the innings with a hat-trick that dismantled Nigeria’s middle order, helping to bowl them out for just 80 in 20 overs and placing Rwanda firmly in command.
Chasing 81 for victory, Rwanda approached the task cautiously, keeping wickets in hand while steadily advancing the scoreboard. At 35 for 3 midway through the innings, the contest remained finely poised.
Then the momentum swung.
Peace Usen delivered a decisive spell under pressure, taking three crucial wickets that destabilised Rwanda’s chase. With tight support from her teammates, including a crucial spell from Lucky Piety, Nigeria applied relentless pressure in the closing overs.
With Rwanda needing 17 runs from the final 11 balls and wickets still available, the outcome remained uncertain. But Nigeria’s bowlers held firm, eventually dismissing Rwanda for 71 to complete a dramatic nine-run victory.
Usen finished with figures of 3 for 18 in four overs, earning her third Player of the Match award in six matches and reinforcing her status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Individual Awards
- MVP: Marie Diane Bimenyimana (Rwanda)
- Best Batter: Beloved Biza (Zimbabwe)
- Best Bowler: Peace Usen (Nigeria)
- Best Fielder: Chukuonye Christabel (Nigeria)
South Africa Secure Third Place
In the third-place playoff, South Africa Women’s U-19 delivered a dominant performance to defeat Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 by 70 runs.
South Africa posted 133 for 5 after opting to bat first, driven by a composed 52 off 45 balls from captain Mieke Van Voorst. Daneli Boshoff added late momentum with an unbeaten 23 to ensure a strong finish.
Zimbabwe’s chase faltered early when Beloved Biza was dismissed, setting the tone for a difficult innings. Regular wickets prevented any recovery as they were restricted to 63 for 8 in 20 overs.
South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Ashley Van Wyk and Daneli Boshoff, controlled proceedings throughout. Boshoff’s all-round display earned her the Player of the Match award as South Africa secured third place.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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