Series: Nigeria Invitational 2022
Venue: TBS Cricket Oval
Format: T20I
Toss: The Gambia
Result: Rwanda by 10 wickets
The first meeting of these two teams, Rwanda, a tournament favourite and The Gambia, still brand new to internationals cricket.
Fatou Faye won the toss for The Gambia and chose to bat first. It did suggest a shorter game would be in order for the batters were no match for the more seasoned Rwanda bowlers, but it was a runout that caused the first wicket to fall, Tida Kassama (2) in the second over.
While the Gambia did manage to stretch the innings to 15.5 overs, attempting to reach that first hurdle of batting the full allotment, they only managed 42 runs which was unlikely to stretch the Rwanda batting line-up. Top score was Catherine Mendy with 11.
Best with the ball, Sifa Ingabire with her off-breaks with 3-9. Also in the mix, leg spinner Margueritte Vumiliya with 2-9 and Flora Irakoze with 2-4. The Gambia were not blown away with pace, rather beguiled by spin.
The 43 runs required for victory were scored in just 23 deliveries, with Henriette Ishimwe (23*) and Sarah Uwera (14*) seeing the team over the line. It gave the Rwanda team another two points in their charge to the finals and maintained their undefeated record.
Player of the match was Sifa Ingabire with her 3-9.
Scores:
The Gambia 42 (Catherine Mendy 11, Sifa Ingabire 3-9, Margueritte Vumiliya 2-9, Flora Irakoze 2-4, ) 15.5 overs
Rwanda 43/0 (Henriette Ishimwe 23*, Sarah Uwera 14*) 3.5 overs
Player of the Match: Sifa Ingabire
Photos: courtesy NCF