Nigeria female cricket team, the Yellow Greens, defeated Rwanda by nine runs in the final to win the 2026 Nigeria Cricket Federation’s T20I Invitational Tournament, dubbed the Patricia Kambarami Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
On Saturday, 28 March, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, the sides met for the 28th time. Nigeria reached the final following an impressive run, including a seven-wicket victory over South Africa’s U-19 team, while Rwanda edged Zimbabwe U-19 by five wickets to secure their place in the decider.
After electing to bat first, Nigeria were bowled out for 80 in 20 overs in a tightly contested innings. Esther Sandy led the way with 26 runs, while captain Lucky Piety added 17 to give the hosts a defendable total. Rwanda’s bowling unit was led by Marie Bimenyimana, who claimed three wickets, with Alice Ikuzwe and Rosette Shimwamana taking two wickets each.
Chasing 81, Rwanda struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Nigerian attack. Usen Peace provided early breakthroughs, while Muhibat Amusa and Lillian Udeh maintained pressure through the middle overs. Despite Bimenyimana’s efforts to steady the innings, Rwanda could not recover from regular setbacks and finished on 71 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Nigeria held firm in the closing stages, with Adeshola Adekunle taking 3-0-10-1 and Lucky Piety making key interventions to secure victory. Usen Peace was named Player of the Match for her decisive 3/18 performance, as Nigeria clinched the tournament on home soil.
In the third-place playoff, South Africa’s U-19 side finished strong to claim the podium. They posted a commanding 133 for 5 in their 20 overs against Zimbabwe U-19, who managed just 63 for 8 in reply. South Africa U-19 won by 70 runs to secure third place in the tournament.
