Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda and Sierra Leone secured their ticked to the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division One after clinching the Division Two qualifying tournament that concluded in Botswana on Saturday, July 26.
Leonard Nhamburo lifted the Division Two trophy after a commanding 51-run victory over Sierra Leone in the final held at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval.
After winning the toss, Rwanda chose to bat first and posted a competitive total of 135/7 in 20 overs.
The innings was anchored by Gisele Ishimwe, who was named Player of the Match after a quick-fire 44 runs off just 24 balls, including seven boundaries. She was well supported by team captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana, who contributed 40 runs off 46 deliveries, hitting two boundaries.
In response, Sierra Leone faltered under pressure and were bowled out for 84 runs in 18.1 overs, unable to match Rwanda’s scoring pace.
Linda Bull top-scored for Sierra Leone with 18 runs from 28 balls, while Emma Kamara added 14 off 20 deliveries. However, their efforts were not enough to challenge Rwanda’s total, as the Rwandan bowlers kept the run rate under control and took regular wickets.
Despite the loss, Sierra Leone also joined Rwanda to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Division One Qualifier which will take place in Namibia from September 23.
The pair will battle it out in Division One against Uganda Kenya Tanzania Namibia Nigeria na Zimbabwe for the only slot available for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup which will take place in England.
Meanwhile, back home at Gahanga Cricket Stadium, Rwanda’s men’s national cricket team fell short in their semifinal match of the Tri-National Series. The hosts posted a solid total of 157/5 in 20 overs, but Malawi chased it down convincingly, winning by nine wickets in 19.5 overs.
Malawi will now face Bahrain in the final of the Tri-National Series on Sunday, July 27.
Botswana walked away with the 3rd place trophy
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