Rwandan international Ignace Ntirenganya made a sensational start to his Zimbabwe National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast campaign, claiming five wickets to inspire Rimuka Cricket Club to a thrilling seven-run victory over Gladiators in Harare on Thursday, October 8. Rimuka posted 143 for 9 in their allotted overs before restricting Gladiators to 136 for 8, with Ntirenganya delivering a match-winning performance. The Rwandan seamer finished with impressive figures of 5 for 18 from four overs, earning Player of the Match honours. Defending a modest total, Rimuka needed early breakthroughs to put pressure on Gladiators’ chase, and Ntirenganya rose to the occasion with a devastating spell during the Powerplay. ALSO READ: Kenya defeat Uganda in thrilling final to lift ILT20 Continent Cup 2026 The right-arm seamer struck early, dismissing opener Brendon Sunguro for nine before removing the dangerous Tony Munyonga for 20. His early strikes left Gladiators struggling at 42 for 3 inside the first six overs. However, Gladiators fought back through a crucial partnership between captain Milton Shumba and Panashe Taruvinga. The pair put together a 50-run stand to revive their side’s hopes of chasing down the target. Just as Gladiators appeared to be regaining control, Ntirenganya returned to break the partnership, bowling Shumba for 22 with the score at 92. The breakthrough halted Gladiators’ momentum and shifted the pressure back onto the chasing side. With the match hanging in the balance, Ntirenganya was entrusted with bowling the decisive final over. He held his nerve under pressure, producing two more wickets to help Rimuka seal the victory. The Rwandan international dismissed Victor Nyauchi for six and Phase Mukabeta for one, restricting Gladiators to 136 for 8 and securing a dramatic seven-run win for Rimuka. Taruvinga top-scored for Gladiators with 44, but his effort proved insufficient as Ntirenganya’s outstanding bowling performance proved decisive. The five-wicket haul marks a memorable start to Ntirenganya’s NPL T20 Blast campaign and underlines his ability to deliver under pressure. His performance also provides an encouraging boost for Rwandan cricket as the national international continues to make his mark on the regional club scene.
