Ingenzi Heroes defeat Imena Herons to win RCA Womens Elite League

Result for the final

Ingenzi Heroes 50 for 2 (Bimenyimana 20, Sifa 13, Akingeneye 1/9) beat Imena Herons 50 all out (Mervielle 10, Sifa 4/10, Muhawenimana 2/10) by 8 wickets

In a low-scoring final, Ingenzi Heroes triumphed over Imena Herons by 8 wickets to win the third edition of the RCA Women’s T20 Elite League.

Before the final, previous champions Amasimbi Hawks and Ingabo Knights clashed in the third-place game, with Ingabo Knights securing an 8-wicket victory.

In the final, Ingenzi Heroes won the toss and elected to bowl first, restricting Imena Herons to just 50 runs all out in 14.1 overs.

The Herons’ batters struggled, with only Mervielle Uwase (10 off 13) reaching double figures.

Ingenzi Heroes’ captain, Ingabire Sifa, wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 10 runs in her 3 overs.

She was well-supported by Immaculate Muhawenimana, who claimed two wickets, and Shimwamana Rosette, who took one.

The chase was straightforward for Ingenzi Heroes.

Dianne Bimenyimana (20 off 34) and Ingabire Sifa (13 off 31) led the team to victory in the 13th over, securing an 8-wicket win.

This victory marked Ingenzi Heroes’ first-ever championship in the RCA Women’s T20 Elite League.

Imena Herons had a strong journey to the finals, losing only one game to Amasimbi Hawks by 7 wickets, and winning all other matches.

Leonard Nhamburo, Head Coach of the Rwanda Women’s team, praised the tournament for achieving its goal of showcasing the talent of female cricketers in Rwanda.

The tournament also provided opportunities for players to take on leadership roles as captains and allowed local coaches to gain valuable experience leading different teams.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

MVP- Gisele Ishimwe (Ingabo Knights)

Best Batter- Gisele Ishimwe (Ingabo Knights)

Best Bowler- Henriette Ishimwe (Amasimbi Hawks)

Best Fielder- Mervielle Uwase (Imena Herons)

Player of Match in the final- Ingabire Sifa (Ingenzi Heroes)