Rwanda defeated a much-improved Sierra Leone team by 5 wickets to record their second win of the tournament. Belise Murekatete put up a player of the match performance with impressive bowling statistics of 4 wickets in 4 overs, sparing 17 runs only. The defending Champions recorded their second victory in the tournament going on in Lagos, Nigeria after beating Ghana by 117 runs in Monday’s opening game. Sierra Leone won the toss and elected to bat first, sending Rwanda in to bowl. Sierra Leone struggled with the pacers from Rwanda and lost 2 quick wickets in the first 3 overs managing just 15 runs. At the end of the power play over of 6’, Sierra Leone were 21 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. The runs came in bits but Sierra Leone unable to sustain a decent partnership meant they could not build any momentum. In the end, Sierra Leone could only manage a total of 56 runs all out in 19.1 overs. Fatu Pessima was the only batter to manage double figures with 12 runs off 34 balls as the best performer for her team. Belise Murekatete was spectacular with the ball for Rwanda taking 4 wickets, conceding 17 runs in 4 overs, supported by Vumiliya Margueritte with 2 wickets conceding 9 runs in 4 overs. In the second innings, Sierra Leone started brightly with the 1st wicket off the 2nd ball and continued to bowl tidy line and lengths, limited runs on the board meant that Rwanda were not under pressure at any point in the game regardless of 5 key wickets lost. Quick fire 17 runs off 13 balls from Ishimwe Henriette and 12 runs off 11 balls from Ishimwe Giselle ensured no late surprises from Sierra Leone. Rwanda eventually scored the required total of 57 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 9.1 overs. Alice Fillie was outstanding with the ball for Sierra Leone taking 3 wickets, conceding 19 runs in 3.1 overs. Rwanda return to action on Friday looking to maintain their unbeaten run when they face Cameroon.
