Joel Ajayi
The 5th Edition of the NCF Women’s Invitational tournament tagged ‘’Patricia kambarami Cup’’ began on a grand scale with opening fixtures between Ghana and Rwanda.
The trophy was named in memory of Patricia Kambarami, who passed on as the former Regional Development Manager, ICC Africa.
She was instrumental in the rapid spread and development of Cricket among Associate Member countries with Africa’s Women cricket gaining continental and global recognition.
*Match 1 (Ghana vs Rwanda)*
Rwanda won the toss and elected to bat first, proving quickly to be the right decision as Fanny Utagushimaninde scored back-to-back boundaries off the first 2 deliveries from Rebecca Adotei. Rwanda finished the first over on 13 runs for no loss.
Fanny announced herself to international cricket with a brilliantly crafted 101 runs off 59 balls on her international debut with 2 overs to spare with Rwanda on 183 runs.
In the second innings, Ghana displayed courage facing the pacy opening bowling pair of Belise Murekatete and Geovanis Uwase with Rashidatu Salia of Ghana taking the game to Rwanda. Rashidat was run out off the next ball to record the first wicket loss for Ghana on 27 runs in 4.2 overs.
In the end, Ghana finished with 88 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs
Fanny Utagushimaninde was named player of the match.
*Rwanda won by 122 runs*
*Match 2: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe U-19*
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first. Nigeria opening bowling pair of Lilian Ude and Anointed Akhigbe started brightly with Anointed getting the breakthrough in the 3rd over as Zimbabwe lost the wicket of Nicollete Nyika for 5 runs.
*Zimbabwe Under-19 finished with 80 runs all out in 16.5 overs
Peace usen finished with 3 wickets, conceding 16 runs in her allotted 4 overs, strongly supported by Anointed Akhigbe with 3 wickets in 3 overs.
Beloved Biza scored 21 runs off 23 balls, Lorraine Pemhiwa with 22 runs off 19 balls and Nokuntenda Makanhiwa 10 runs off 19 balls as the best batting figures for Zimbabwe U-19.
In the second innings, Nigeria opening pair of Captain Lucky Piety Victory Igbinedion approached the run chase with calm and precision, scoring boundaries while rotating strike.
Nigeria successfully chased down the runs to finish with 81 runs in 11.2 overs. Salome Sunday finished with 19 runs off 21 balls and Amusa with 13 runs off 20 balls.
Peace Usen was named player of the match
