By Johnathan Paoli
Rwanda beat South Africa Under-19 Women by four runs on the DLS method in a rain-affected Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s T20 International Invitational match in Lagos on Sunday, handing the visitors their first defeat of the tournament.
Rwanda made 101/7 in a reduced 14-over contest at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval before restricting South Africa to 100/4, despite a late push from captain Mieke van Voorst.
The result was a setback for the South Africans after their dominant opening win over Ghana on Saturday, when Van Voorst starred in a 99-run victory.
Cricket South Africa marketed the Nigeria tour as an important part of the side’s build-up to next year’s Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, with head coach Dinesha Devnarain saying before the tournament that “With 11 months to go before the World Cup, game time is crucial, and the T20 Invitational in Nigeria will provide that in abundance, with intense competition expected against experienced teams.”
Asked to bat first, Rwanda recovered from early pressure to post a competitive total. C. Uwase top-scored with 26 off 21 balls, while Fanny Utagushimaninde added 24. South Africa struck early through Ashleigh van Wyk and Miya Lalor, who took two wickets each, but Rwanda found enough late runs to push beyond the 100 mark.
South Africa’s reply began steadily, with Ashley Barnard making 21 and Danelie Boshoff helping guide the side to 29 without loss after four overs. Van Voorst then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 34 off 27 balls, sharing a key stand with Van Wyk, who made 10.
But Rwanda held their nerve in the closing stages. Rosine Irera and Diane Bimenyimana struck at crucial moments, and South Africa fell just short of the revised target of 105, finishing on 100/4 as Rwanda secured victory by four runs on the DLS method.
The win sent Rwanda to the top of the standings, while South Africa were left to regroup ahead of their next fixtures in Lagos.
South Africa are scheduled to face Zimbabwe Under-19 Women on Tuesday, followed by Nigeria on Wednesday.
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