Nigeria produced a performance for the ages to be crowned champions of the NCF Women’s Invitational Championship (Patricia Kambarami Cup), stunning Rwanda in a dramatic grand finale that will be remembered for years to come.
Elsewhere, South Africa Women’s U-19 secured a strong finish to their campaign, claiming third place with a commanding and well-deserved win over Zimbabwe. Their all-round dominance ensured they ended the tournament on a high note.
DAY 7: FINAL MATCH
Rwanda vs Nigeria
It was a true clash of titans – two familiar foes, bound by a seven-year rivalry, meeting on the biggest stage with everything on the line.
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Nigeria won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to set a defendable target. However, the innings never quite found rhythm. The early overs were choked with dot balls, including a rare maiden in the fourth over. At the end of the powerplay, Nigeria struggled to 27 for 1.
Esther Sandy briefly lifted hopes with a composed 26 off 28 balls, but her run-out halted Nigeria’s momentum. Captain Lucky Piety followed with a brisk 17 off 15, but once she fell at 62 for 2, the innings unravelled dramatically.
Nigeria lost their final seven wickets for just 18 runs, collapsing to a modest total of 80 all out in 20 overs. Rwanda’s captain, Marie Diane Bimenyimana, delivered a sensational hat-trick to cap off a dominant bowling display, finishing the tournament with 14 wickets.
Chasing 81, Rwanda started cautiously, but Nigeria’s bowlers brought intensity and discipline. The opening spell kept Rwanda to just 3 runs in the first two overs. Peace Usen then struck crucial blows, removing dangerous batters Fanny and Giselle to tilt the balance.
Rwanda stayed within reach, but Nigeria refused to relent. At 30 runs needed off 30 balls with five wickets in hand, the game was finely poised. Captain Lucky Piety turned the tide with two key wickets, sparking a dramatic collapse.
What followed was pure theatre – wickets tumbling, tension soaring, and nerves stretched thin on both sides. With 17 needed off 11 balls, Rwanda still had hope, but Nigeria held their nerve in breathtaking fashion.
Against all odds, Nigeria defended the lowest total in the tournament’s history, bowling Rwanda out for 71 to seal a remarkable 9-run victory.
Peace Usen was the hero once again, finishing with figures of 3 for 18 in 4 overs, earning her third Player of the Match award in six games.
Nigeria’s triumph is not just a win – it is a statement of resilience, belief, and championship character.
Individual Awards
- MVP: Marie Diane Bimenyimana (Rwanda)
- Best Batter: Beloved Biza (Zimbabwe)
- Best Bowler: Peace Usen (Nigeria)
- Best Fielder: Chukuonye Christabel (Nigeria)
DAY 7: 3rd PLACE MATCH
Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 vs South Africa Women’s U-19
South Africa Women’s U-19 delivered a dominant performance to claim third place, defeating Zimbabwe by 70 runs.
After winning the toss, South Africa posted an imposing 133 for 5, powered by captain Mieke Van Voorst’s brilliant 52 off 45 balls and a late cameo from Daneli Boshoff (23* off 17).
Zimbabwe’s chase never gained momentum. Star batter Beloved Biza fell early, and wickets continued to tumble under sustained pressure. They eventually limped to 63 for 8 in 20 overs.
Ashley Van Wyk (2 for 12) and Daneli Boshoff (2 for 8) led a clinical bowling effort, with Boshoff named Player of the Match.
South Africa’s all-round display ensured a strong finish, securing a well-earned third-place spot in the tournament.
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