By Anas Ahmed 
Rwanda Women continued their rise in African women’s cricket, clinching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division Two Qualifier 2025 title with a dominant 51-run win over Sierra Leone at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval in Gaborone.
This resounding victory not only handed them the championship but also booked their ticket to the Africa Region Division One Qualifier — a crucial step toward the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Ishimwe Ignites Rwanda’s Innings
Opting to bat first in the final, Rwanda set the tone with a powerful performance at the top, led by Gisele Ishimwe’s explosive 44 off 28 balls. Her boundary-laced knock, filled with aggressive intent, gave Rwanda early momentum.
Captain Marie Bimenyimana added stability with a patient 40 off 46 balls, anchoring the innings even as wickets fell around her. Rwanda ended with a strong 135/7 in 20 overs, a total that looked increasingly imposing on a slow surface.
Sierra Leone’s bowlers tried to halt the scoring, with Ann Marie Kamara and Fatu Pessima each taking 2 wickets for 19 runs, but the damage was already done.
Rwanda’s Bowlers Seal the Deal
Chasing 136, Sierra Leone’s batting faltered early and never recovered. Belise Murekatete and Henriette Ishimwe led Rwanda’s charge with two wickets apiece, maintaining tight lines and applying relentless pressure.
Sierra Leone could only manage 84 all out in 18.1 overs, with only Linda Bull (19) and Emma Kamara (14) offering token resistance. The rest of the batting lineup crumbled under Rwanda’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Rwanda Take Big Step Towards World Cup Dream
This comprehensive win caps off a dream run for Rwanda Women, who have shown skill, composure, and a fearless brand of cricket throughout the tournament. With a promotion to Division One secured, their journey to the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is very much alive.
Score Summary:
Rwanda Women: 135/7 (20) – Gisele Ishimwe 44 (28), Marie Bimenyimana 40 (46)
Sierra Leone Women: 84 all out (18.1) – Belise Murekatete 2/9, Henriette Ishimwe 2/12
Result: Rwanda Women won by 51 runs
Player of the Match: Gisele Ishimwe – 44 (28)