Rwanda’s women’s cricket team bounced back from defeats against Uganda and Namibia with a thrilling two-run victory over the United States (USA) in the Victoria Series on Tuesday, November 10. Rwanda posted 107/5 in their 20 overs before restricting the USA to 105/4 at Entebbe Cricket Oval, securing their second win over the Americans in the tournament. Fanny Utagushimaninde provided a quick start with 21 runs off 17 balls, while Gisele Ishimwe contributed 20 from 30 deliveries. Clarisse Umuntoniwase added 19 runs, and Diane Marie Bimenyimana remained unbeaten on 20 off 37 balls to guide Rwanda to 107. The USA bowling attack was led by Aditiba Chudasama, who claimed three wickets, while Taranum Chopra took one. In response, the USA stayed in contention but fell just short of the target. Isani Mahesh Vaghela top-scored with 28 off 30 balls, while Chopra finished unbeaten on 20 from 22 deliveries and Nikhar Doshi added 19 not out. Rwanda’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages to protect the narrow lead. Ruth Uwimana and Bimenyimana took two wickets apiece, with the latter making valuable contributions with both bat and ball. The victory provides a timely boost for Rwanda after their earlier defeats to hosts Uganda and Namibia. It also completes a second win over the USA, following their 14-run victory in the opening match on November 6. The Victoria Series, which runs until November 14, features Rwanda, Uganda, Namibia and the USA in a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final. All matches carry T20 International ranking points as Rwanda continue their preparations for the 2027 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Finals.
