Live Rwanda Women vs USA Women 5th Match – ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Scoreboard & Scorecard

Rwanda Women secured a dramatic one-run victory over the United States of America Women in the fifth match of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali City on April 21, 2026.

Defending a total of 127 for four, Rwanda held their nerve as the United States fell short, finishing on 126 for five from their 20 overs. The narrow margin underscored a tightly contested encounter that went down to the final over.

Rwanda’s innings was built on a solid start, with Gisele Ishimwe top-scoring with 42 runs off 34 balls, including five fours and a six, at a strike rate of 123.52. Fanny Utagushimaninde contributed 32 off 37 balls with four boundaries, while Alice Ikuzwe remained not out on 16 off 22 balls. Henriette Ishimwe added a valuable 19 off 20 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over.

The United States bowling effort was led by Madhavan, who claimed two wickets for 15 runs from his four overs at an economy of 3.75. Chudasama and Aras also picked up two wickets each, but Rwanda managed to reach a defendable total despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

In reply, the United States began steadily but lost momentum in the death overs. Gargi Bhogle top-scored for the visitors with 35 runs off 35 balls, supported by Aditiba Chudasama’s 24 off 22 balls. However, regular wickets prevented them from building the required partnerships.

Rwanda’s bowling attack delivered under pressure, with Marie Bimenyimana emerging as the most effective bowler, returning figures of 3-0-11-1. Henriette Ishimwe and Rosine Irera each took two wickets, while Fanny Utagushimaninde and Clarisse Uwase chipped in with crucial breakthroughs at key moments.

The match reached its climax in the final over, with the United States needing 11 runs to win. Bimenyimana held her nerve, conceding only a single bye off the first five balls before Gargi Bhogle took a single on the final delivery to leave the hosts victorious by the slimmest of margins.

Gisele Ishimwe was awarded Player of the Match for her match-defining innings, which laid the foundation for Rwanda’s successful defence. The win highlights Rwanda’s growing competitiveness in international women’s T20 cricket, particularly on home soil.

The result leaves Rwanda with a valuable two points in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 standings, while the United States will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture in the tournament.