Nairobi, Kenya – Rwanda Women secured a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Kenya Women in the 4th T20I of the Rwanda Women’s tour of Kenya, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the 5-match series. The match, held at the Sikh Union Club Ground on September 13, 2024, saw an impressive all-round performance from Henriette Ishimwe, who guided her team to victory with an unbeaten 45 off 34 balls, earning her the Player of the Match accolade.
Kenya’s Steady Start Led by Abel
Batting first, Kenya Women put up a competitive total of 126/3 in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performance came from Queentor Abel, who carried her bat through the innings, scoring an unbeaten 62 off 54 balls, including six boundaries and one six.
Abel’s innings anchored Kenya’s efforts as they struggled to find momentum, with contributions from Esther Wachira (27 off 37) and Venasa Ooko (13* off 11). Despite losing early wickets, Kenya managed to build partnerships, but the disciplined bowling from Rwanda restricted them to a par score.
Immaculee Muhawenimana (1/18) and Marie Bimenyimana (1/21) were the key bowlers for Rwanda, both keeping the run rate in check with economical spells.
Rwanda’s Resilient Chase
Chasing 127, Rwanda got off to a shaky start, losing Merveille Uwase for a duck in the second ball of the innings. Ann Wanjira struck early, picking up two quick wickets to leave Rwanda at 19/3 in the 3rd over. However, a steady partnership between Belise Murekatete (28 off 34) and Henriette Ishimwe put Rwanda back on track.
Henriette Ishimwe played a match-winning knock of 45 not out from 34 balls, showcasing maturity and composure under pressure. She kept the scoreboard ticking and found the boundaries when needed, supported by Murekatete’s knock. Despite losing wickets, Rwanda maintained a solid run rate throughout the chase, with Georgette Ingabire’s run-out causing some late drama.
In the end, Ishimwe’s unbeaten 45 guided Rwanda to victory with 9 balls to spare, sealing the match and the series.
Key Performers:
- Henriette Ishimwe was the standout player with a brilliant all-round performance, scoring 45 not out and contributing with economical bowling earlier in the game.
- Queentor Abel shone for Kenya with a fine 62 not out, but her efforts were not enough to prevent defeat.
- Ann Wanjira was the pick of the bowlers for Kenya, taking 3 wickets for 32 runs, while Esther Wachira also impressed with figures of 2/18.
Records and Key Moments:
- Henriette Ishimwe’s 45 off 34* was the highest score of the match, helping Rwanda overcome early pressure.
- Kenya’s Queentor Abel continued her fine form with her unbeaten half-century, but lacked support from the middle order.
- The victory handed Rwanda a 3-1 series lead, clinching the series with one game to spare.
Brief Scores:
Kenya Women: 126/3 in 20 overs (Queentor Abel 62*, Esther Wachira 27; Immaculee Muhawenimana 1/18, Marie Bimenyimana 1/21)
Rwanda Women: 129/7 in 18.3 overs (Henriette Ishimwe 45*, Belise Murekatete 28; Ann Wanjira 3/32, Esther Wachira 2/18)
Match Result: Rwanda Women won by 3 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)
With this win, Rwanda Women took an unassailable lead in the series and will be looking to finish the series on a high in the final T20I.
