{"id":122608,"date":"2026-04-27T15:29:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T15:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwanda-edges-vanuatu-in-womens-challenge-trophy"},"modified":"2026-04-27T15:34:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T15:34:59","slug":"rwanda-edges-vanuatu-in-womens-challenge-trophy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/rwanda-edges-vanuatu-in-womens-challenge-trophy","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda Edges Vanuatu in Women’s Challenge Trophy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Rwanda survived a late scare to defeat Vanuatu by three runs in a Matchday 5 clash at Gahanga Oval B in Kigali. This marked the start of the second round of the Tournament<\/p>\n

The tightly contested encounter ended in favour of the hosts, who maintained second place and kept their hopes of finishing top of the table alive.<\/p>\n

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rwanda suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Gisele Ishimwe in the fourth over for just two runs.<\/p>\n

However, Merveille Uwase stepped up with a Player of the Match performance, scoring a brilliant 60 off 43 balls, including seven boundaries, to anchor Rwanda\u2019s innings.<\/p>\n

Lekha Shetty bowls against Nepal<\/p>\n

\u201cI just try to do my job when it matters most. But the win isn\u2019t solely about me, it\u2019s about teamwork,\u201d Uwase said in a post-match interview.<\/p>\n

She was well supported by Alice Ikuzwe, who contributed 35 off 35 balls, while youngster Fanny Utagushimaninde added 17 off 21 deliveries, helping Rwanda post a competitive total of 133 before the innings break.<\/p>\n

In reply, Vanuatu made a mixed start, with opener Susan Stephen scoring a quick 11 before being dismissed in the fourth over. Her departure left the visitors under pressure.<\/p>\n

Valenta Langiatu then rose to the occasion, leading a spirited fightback. She combined with Rachel Andrew in a crucial partnership that yielded more than 50 runs before Andrew fell in the 15th over.<\/p>\n

Langiatu remained unbeaten on an impressive 71 off 63 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, but her efforts were not enough as Vanuatu fell just short, finishing on 130\/3.<\/p>\n

The win saw Rwanda stay in second place with 6 points, two behind the United States who dominated Nepal by 7 wickets. The win, their fourth in five games, kept them at the top of the standings ahead of Monday\u2019s clash against Vanuatu.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile Rwanda will face Italy in the morning fixture on Monday, at 9:00AM at Gahanga Main Oval.<\/p>\n

Bindu Rawal of Nepal prepares to cut against USA<\/p>\n\r\n