Nepal survive nervy chase in low-scoring thriller to go past hosts Rwanda

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Apr 22, 2026

Nepal have beaten hosts Rwanda by two wickets in a nervy 89-run chase at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy.

Once requiring just 15 off 45 balls with nine wickets in hand, Nepal lost seven wickets for 12 runs and slumped to 86/8 before finally completing the chase in the final over.

Rwanda bowled two wicket-maiden overs in the 18th and 19th over when Nepal were just three runs away from victory, dragging the game deep into the final over.

Samjhana Khadka earlier gave Nepal a strong start with a 48-run knock off 47 balls, featuring seven boundaries, and went on to win the Player of the Match award before the collapse began.

Rwanda bowlers kept them under pressure throughout the chase. Gisele Ishimwe picked up 2 wickets, Geovanus Uwase returned 3/14, while Henriette Ishimwe finished with 2/18.

Earlier, Rwanda posted 88 after being bowled out, with Nepal conceding 18 extras in the innings.

Rachana Chaudhary led the attack with 3/12, Kabita Kunwar (2/24) and Puja Mahato (2/16) shared four wickets, while Manisha Upadhyay and Riya Sharma chipped in with one each.

Nepal will next face Vanuatu in their fourth league stage match on Friday.