Yellow Greens edge Rwanda to clinch Patricia Kambarami Cup in Lagos thriller
Nigeria’s women’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, held their nerve to defeat Rwanda by nine runs in a gripping final and lift the 2026 Nigeria Cricket Federation T20I Invitational Tournament, also known as the Patricia Kambarami Cup.
Under the Lagos sun at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval on Saturday, March 28, familiar foes met for the 28th time, but with silverware on the line. Nigeria arrived at the final in confident fashion, highlighted by a commanding seven-wicket win over South Africa’s U-19 side, while Rwanda had edged Zimbabwe U-19 by five wickets to book their place in the decider.
Choosing to bat first, Nigeria were made to work for every run in a tense, low-scoring contest. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 80 in their 20 overs, with Esther Sandy anchoring the innings with 26, while captain Lucky Piety chipped in with 17. Rwanda’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Marie Bimenyimana’s three wickets, kept Nigeria in check, with Alice Ikuzwe and Rosette Shimwamana claiming two apiece.
Set a modest target of 81, Rwanda’s chase never truly found rhythm. Nigeria’s bowlers struck early and often, with Usen Peace leading the charge and applying immediate pressure. Muhibat Amusa and Lillian Udeh tightened the screws through the middle overs, ensuring Rwanda remained on the back foot. Though Bimenyimana attempted to rally her side, regular wickets derailed the chase as Rwanda closed on 71 for 9.
Nigeria’s composure in the final overs proved decisive, with Adeshola Adekunle delivering an economical spell of 1 for 10, while captain Piety’s leadership in the field helped seal the victory. Usen Peace’s match-defining figures of 3 for 18 earned her the Player of the Match award, as the Yellow Greens celebrated a hard-fought triumph on home soil.
Earlier, South Africa’s U-19 side secured third place in emphatic fashion, posting 133 for 5 before restricting Zimbabwe U-19 to 63 for 8, sealing a dominant 70-run win to round off the tournament.
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