Nigeria Stage Stunning Comeback to Defeat Rwanda, Win NCF Women’s Invitational Championship
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s women’s cricket team delivered a dramatic turnaround performance to defeat Rwanda by nine runs and emerge champions of the NCF Women’s Invitational Championship (Patricia Kambarami Cup) in a thrilling grand finale.
The highly anticipated final marked another chapter in a fierce seven-year rivalry between the two sides, with both teams showcasing resilience and competitive spirit in a tense encounter.
Winning the toss, Nigeria opted to bat first but struggled to gain momentum early on. The innings was slowed by dot balls, including a maiden over, leaving Nigeria at 27 for 1 after the six-over powerplay. Esther Sandy provided a brief spark with a composed 26 off 28 balls before being run out, while captain Lucky Piety added 17 runs off 15 deliveries.
However, Nigeria’s batting lineup collapsed dramatically, losing seven wickets for just 18 runs to finish on a modest total of 80 all out in 20 overs. Rwanda’s captain, Marie Diane Bimenyimana, was the standout performer with the ball, claiming a hat-trick and ending the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps.
In response, Rwanda started cautiously but found themselves under pressure from Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite steady progress, key breakthroughs shifted momentum, with Peace Usen leading the charge by dismissing dangerous batters early.
As the match progressed, Nigeria tightened their grip, with crucial wickets from captain Lucky Piety turning the tide. Rwanda’s chase faltered under mounting pressure, needing 17 runs off the final 11 balls with only the last pair remaining.
In a nail-biting finish, Nigeria held their nerve to bowl Rwanda out for 71 runs in 20 overs, securing a remarkable victory and successfully defending the lowest total in the tournament’s history.
Peace Usen, who finished with 3 wickets for 18 runs in four overs, was named Player of the Match for the third time in six games.
Individual Awards
Most Valuable Player: Marie Diane Bimenyimana (Rwanda)
Best Batter: Beloved Biza (Zimbabwe)
Best Bowler: Peace Usen (Nigeria)
Best Fielder: Chukuonye Christabel (Nigeria).
South Africa Clinch Third Place
In the third-place playoff, South Africa Women’s U-19 defeated Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 by 70 runs in a dominant display.
After electing to bat, South Africa posted a formidable 133 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by a half-century from captain Mieke Van Voorst, who scored 52 off 45 balls. Daneli Boshoff also contributed a valuable unbeaten 23.
Zimbabwe’s response never gained traction, with early setbacks including the dismissal of Beloved Biza for just one run. They eventually limped to 63 for 8 in 20 overs.
South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Ashley Van Wyk and Daneli Boshoff, ensured a comfortable victory, with Boshoff earning Player of the Match honors for her all-round performance.
The tournament concluded with Nigeria crowned champions in dramatic fashion, capping off an unforgettable week of women’s cricket.
