…as S/Africa beat Zimbabwe  

By Jacob Ajom

Former champions, Rwanda look unstoppable in their march to reclaim the NCF Women’s T20i Invitational Tournament title they lost to Nigeria at the last edition by beating the hosts Tuesday to record their fourth straight win in the tournament. The victory has also earned the team a semifinal berth in the five nation invitational.

Henriette Ishimwe, led their charge taking six wickets. The Rwandans confounded the Nigerians who put up a late rally, but failed to contain the former champions in one of the best games of the championship so far.

Nigeria won the toss and elected to bat first with Captain Lucky Piety and Eguakun Omosigho leading proceedings.

But it took Rwanda just three balls to wrap Piety Lucky LBW before dismissing Eguakun in the third over and Salome Sunday at the end of the fourth over.

Nigeria were down three wickets for 18 runs after just four overs to put Rwanda firmly on the driving seat.

After six overs of batting power play, Nigeria was on 31 runs for the loss of three wickets. Five balls later, Amusa Kehinde was bowled as Nigeria lost the fourth wicket on 35 runs.

Nigeria struggled to put together a decent partnership as wickets fell every other over at five for 35, six for 53, seven for 56, eight for 68 and nine for 72 in 14.4 overs.

Nigeria eventually finished with 90 runs all out in 19.1 overs.

Esther Sandy was the only shining star with the bat, unbeaten at 36 runs off 31 balls.

Belise Murekatete, Rosine Irera, Bimenyinmana Diane, Alice Ikuzwe all had two wickets each to consolidate an all-round impressive bowling performance for Rwanda.

Nigeria with a daunting task in the second innings approached their defense of 90 runs with little room for error, dismissing the dangerous Gisele Ishime for two runs off seven balls with Rwanda on seven runs in 2.4 overs.

Lillian Ude struck again for her second wicket when Captain Marie Diane was dismissed for no run after facing four balls. After five overs, Rwanda had only 12 runs on the board but a very expensive over from Anointed Akhigbe contributed 13 runs in the last over of power play with Rwanda on 25 runs. Peace Usen yet again delivered the goods to dismiss fanny for 15 runs off 18 balls.

The change bowlers for Nigeria did not consolidate on the efforts from the opening bowlers as extras and freebies plagued successive overs to help Rwanda reach 44 runs for the loss of three wickets after nine overs.

Kehinde Amusan broke the partnership but unlucky to be hit for a boundary off the last ball as Rwanda hit 52 runs after 10 overs.

Rwanda managed the game accordingly to score the required total of 93 Runs for the loss of four wickets in 15.4 overs to record their fourth straight win in the tournament.

Henriette ishimwe led the successful run chase for Rwanda with 32 runs not out off 18 balls, supported by Clarisse Umutoniwase with 17 runs off 26 balls as they won by six wickets

The games resumed yesterday after a well-deserved break and the successful hosting of the NCF Legacy programme that gathered over 200 girls, who were introduced to the game on Monday.

The opening game of the day between South Africa and Zimbabwe was more than just a game, but a revelation of where both countries are in preparation for the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup, interwoven with some element of bragging rights.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first with Chanel Venter and Ashley Barnard leading the charge. At the end of four overs, both openers were 16 runs each off 13 and 11 balls respectively with South-Africa on 47 runs. After six overs of power play, South Africa were on 62 runs.

Venter departed immediately off the first ball in the seventh over to introduce Captain Mieke Van Voorst. Mieke was dismissed. She was immediately followed by the third and fourth wicket as Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 fought back.