Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda women’s national cricket team joined Sierra Leone in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier (Division Two) after defeating hosts Botswana by 35 runs in the semi-final held at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval on Thursday, July 24.
Maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament, Rwanda once again demonstrated discipline and composure with both bat and ball, booking their place in the final and taking a major step toward qualification for the next stage of the T20 World Cup.
Rwanda won the toss and chose to bat first, managing 99 runs for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. All-rounder Henriette Ishimwe led the innings with a calm 18 runs off 20 balls, supported by Rosette Shimwamana who added 12 runs from 13 deliveries. Botswana’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure and restricted Rwanda from hitting 100, making it a challenging total to defend.
However, Rwanda’s bowlers responded with even greater intensity in the second innings. Botswana were held to just 64 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs, falling short by 35 runs. The hosts’ batting order struggled against Rwanda’s tight fielding and disciplined attack.
Laura Mophakedi offered the only real resistance for Botswana, scoring 31 runs from 52 balls, while Amantle Mokgothle contributed 10 runs off 18 deliveries. The rest of the batting lineup faltered, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Ishimwe was named player of the match for her all-round performance, playing a crucial role in Rwanda’s victory.
In the other semi-final matchup, Sierra Leone secured a convincing 6-wicket win over Malawi to book their place in the final.
Malawi batted first and posted 100 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. But Sierra Leone chased down the target with ease, reaching 101/4 in just 15.2 overs.
With this victory, Rwanda not only reached the final unbeaten but also secured automatic promotion to Division One of the Africa Qualifier.
They now look forward to facing Sierra Leone in the grand finale on Saturday, July 26 — a showdown that will determine the overall champion of Division Two and mark a crucial step on the road to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
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