Match Highlights: Rwanda Women vs Malawi Women

Date: 2025-07-21
Venue: Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone

Summary:

Rwanda Women defeated Malawi Women by 67 runs in a dominant performance. Gisele Ishimwe top-scored with 42 runs, while Henriette Ishimwe and Alice Ikuzwe delivered stellar bowling performances, each taking 3 wickets. Belise Murekatete also made a strong impact with 2 wickets at an exceptional economy rate.

---

Detailed Narrative:

Rwanda Women won the toss and opted to bat first. The team managed to post a competitive total of 138/6 in their 20 overs, powered by a balanced batting effort.

• Key Batting Performances:

  • Gisele Ishimwe played a composed knock of 42 runs off 47 balls, including 5 boundaries.
  • Henriette Ishimwe contributed a quick 24 runs off 21 balls, striking 4 boundaries.
  • Alice Ikuzwe added late-innings fireworks, scoring 16 runs off just 9 balls at an impressive strike rate of 177.78.

• Malawi Women’s Bowling Highlights:

  • Sugeni Kananji impressed with figures of 2/22 in her 4 overs, maintaining an economy of 5.50.
  • Eva Kabwere also claimed 2 wickets, though she was a bit expensive with 2/37.

Rwanda Women’s total was bolstered by 25 extras, including 9 wides from Sugeni Kananji and 5 wides from Eva Kabwere.

---

In response, Malawi Women struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 71/9 in their 20 overs.

• Key Batting Performances:

  • Lidia Dimba top-scored for Malawi Women with 26 runs off 33 balls, including one boundary.
  • Sophina Chinawa remained unbeaten with 11 runs off 32 balls, but the innings lacked partnerships and acceleration.

• Rwanda Women’s Bowling Highlights:

  • Alice Ikuzwe was the standout bowler, grabbing figures of 3/21 in her 4 overs, including a caught-and-bowled dismissal.
  • Henriette Ishimwe was equally destructive, taking 3/13 in her spell, dismantling the lower order.
  • Belise Murekatete delivered a sensational spell, with 2/6 in 4 overs, including 2 maidens. Her economy rate of 1.50 was remarkable.

Rwanda’s fielding was sharp, with Shakila Niyomuhoza and Marie Bimenyimana contributing key catches.

---

Key Moments:

• Batting Partnerships: Gisele Ishimwe anchored the innings, while late cameos from Henriette Ishimwe and Alice Ikuzwe ensured a strong finish for Rwanda.
• Bowling Excellence: The trio of Ikuzwe, Ishimwe, and Murekatete dismantled Malawi’s batting lineup with disciplined lines and variations.
• Interesting Catches: A sharp catch by Shakila Niyomuhoza off Henriette Ishimwe’s bowling dismissed Lidia Dimba, ending Malawi’s hope for a recovery.

---

Match Result:

Rwanda Women won by 67 runs.