Nigeria lose to Rwanda at Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament in Kigali

Nigeria suffered an 11-run defeat to Rwanda in a closely contested match at the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament in Kigali on Friday.

The report states that a spirited half-century by Esther Sandy and a four-wicket haul by Christabel Chukwuonye were not enough to secure victory for the Yellow-Greens.

Nigeria finished on 120 for nine in 20 overs in pursuit of Rwanda’s 131 for eight.

Earlier, Nigeria produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict the hosts after Rwanda made a strong start.

Chukwuonye was the standout bowler for Nigeria, claiming four wickets to slow Rwanda’s progress.

She dismissed Gisele Ishimwe (32), Marie Diane Bimenyimana (5), Henriette Ishimwe (0) and Georgette Ingabire (0).

Favour Eseigbe also impressed with two wickets, removing Rwanda’s top scorer, Claudine Umutoniwase, and Murekatete Belyse.

Lilian Ude accounted for Alice Ikuzwe, while wicketkeeper Sarah Etim contributed a stumping and two catches.

In spite of Nigeria’s efforts, Rwanda posted a competitive total, largely through Umutoniwase’s 59 off 48 balls and Gisele Ishimwe’s 32 off 29 deliveries.

The pair shared a crucial partnership after the early dismissal of opener Fanny Utagushimaninde for five runs.

In reply, Sandy anchored Nigeria’s innings with a determined 63 off 53 balls, including nine boundaries.

She kept Nigeria in contention in spite of regular wickets at the other end.

Chukwuonye contributed 15 runs, while Deborah Bassey and Salome Sunday added eight and seven runs respectively.

Nigeria required a strong finish in the closing overs, but Rwanda’s bowlers maintained their discipline to restrict the visitors and secure victory.

The report states that the defeat ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the final of the tournament.

The Yellow-Greens will face Brazil in the third-place playoff on Saturday.