Ikuzwe leads Rwanda to hard-fought victory
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rwanda found runs difficult to come by against a disciplined USA bowling attack. Clarisse Uwase provided the most stability at the top of the order, contributing 17 runs off 27 balls. Gisele Ishimwe added a vital 16 off 14 deliveries to help push the score along, but the team struggled to build significant momentum, eventually finishing their 20 overs at 100/8. Aditiba Chudasama was the pick of the USA bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 3/20 from her four-over spell.
USA chase falters under pressure
Chasing 101 for victory, the USA innings never found its rhythm. Rwanda’s bowlers struck early, reducing the opposition to four wickets down before they could establish a meaningful partnership. Isani Vaghela attempted to anchor the chase with a top score of 18 off 26 balls, supported by Taranum Chopra, but the required run rate and consistent pressure from the Rwandan attack proved too much.
The turning point of the match arrived when Alice Ikuzwe claimed the wicket of Ritu Singh, effectively breaking the back of the USA resistance. Ikuzwe, who had earlier chipped in with a quick-fire 16 off 11 balls, finished her bowling spell with 3/14 from 3.2 overs. Her ability to strike at crucial moments ensured that the USA were bowled out for 86. Alongside Ikuzwe’s heroics, Aditiba Chudasama and Marie Bimenyimana were noted for their significant contributions throughout the match, but it was Rwanda’s collective defensive effort that ultimately sealed the result in Entebbe.
