Rwanda’s dream of lifting the 2026 Kwibuka Ladies’s T20I Match trophy on house soil resulted in heartbreak on Saturday after a dramatic one-run defeat to Zimbabwe within the remaining at Gahanga Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
After successful the toss, Zimbabwe posted 126/5 from their 20 overs, thanks largely to a composed knock from Runyararo Pasipanodya, who scored 45 off 35 balls to earn Participant of the Match honours. She was effectively supported by Lorraine Pemhiwa, who made 31 from 26 deliveries, whereas captain Adel Zimunu added 20 off 32 balls.
Rwanda struggled to make early breakthroughs with the ball, however captain Diane Bimenyimana produced an excellent spell, claiming 5 wickets for 28 runs to maintain the hosts firmly in competition.
Chasing 127 for victory, Rwanda got here below stress early earlier than Henriette Ishimwe launched a sensational counterattack. The all-rounder smashed 60 runs from simply 30 balls, together with six towering sixes, swinging momentum again in Rwanda’s favour and igniting the house crowd.
She acquired assist from Fanny Utagushimaninde, who contributed 15 runs off 18 balls, however Zimbabwe HPC continued to strike at essential moments and in the end held their nerve to limit Rwanda to 125/8, sealing victory by the narrowest of margins.
The triumph capped a outstanding marketing campaign for Zimbabwe HPC, who had additionally crushed Rwanda within the event opener earlier than returning to disclaim the hosts within the remaining.
After the match, Zimbabwe HPC batter Lorraine Pemhiwa mirrored on the group’s achievement.
“It feels actually good to have contributed to the group’s victory. It was an enormous effort from everybody. We supported one another from the start, and it’s a terrific feeling to complete as champions.”
Pemhiwa mentioned the title was a reward for the onerous work the group invested all through the event.
“We labored onerous from day one. We misplaced just a few matches alongside the best way, however we got here again stronger each time. We gave every part we had, and ultimately it paid off.”
For Rwanda, the defeat was painful, however head coach Leonard Nhamburo mentioned he was happy with the character proven by his gamers.
“Shedding by one run is all the time tough, particularly in a remaining. It hurts. However should you take a look at how they fought, they fought very effectively.”
Nhamburo praised his facet’s resilience all through the event and highlighted the preventing spirit they displayed within the remaining.
“That’s one thing we labored on all through the event—competing in shut video games, by no means shedding hope and having gamers step up for the group. At the moment’s efficiency was top-class, regardless that we didn’t win the trophy.”
The coach additionally singled out Henriette Ishimwe’s match-changing innings.
“There was all the time hope that she might ship, and she or he did. She introduced us very near victory. If she wasn’t there in the present day, it will have been a totally totally different recreation.”
Reflecting on Rwanda’s general marketing campaign, Nhamburo highlighted the group’s enchancment with the bat.
“In virtually each match, we scored greater than 100 runs. We posted 179, 147, 134, 131 and one other sturdy complete within the remaining. That’s a serious optimistic for us.”
Nonetheless, he acknowledged there have been classes to take from the event.
“Our center order collapsed too rapidly at occasions. We misplaced wickets in clusters, and that’s one thing we have to repair. We want stronger partnerships within the center overs going ahead.”
Regardless of the frustration, Rwanda can take pleasure in reaching the ultimate after a powerful marketing campaign that included victories over Malawi, Nigeria and Brazil.
The hosts completed as runners-up, whereas Zimbabwe HPC lifted the 2026 Kwibuka Ladies’s T20I Match trophy following one of the crucial dramatic finals within the competitors’s historical past.
