Rwanda edge Rising Stars in Super6s thriller
Tournament: ICC Women’s U19 World Cup
Opponent: Rwanda U19 Women
Venue: JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
Result: Rwanda won by 4 wickets
Scorecard: http://bit.ly/3XL7W9C
Rwanda handed the West Indies Rising Stars a shocking 4-wicket loss in their first Super6 match at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
Batting first, the Rwanda bowlers had the Rising Stars batters pegged back from early in their innings, thanks to disciplined bowling from Henriette Ishimwe and Rosine Irera. But it was spinners Sylvia Usabyimana (4/20) and Marie Josee Tumunkunde 4/8 who utilized the pitch’s slow surface to bamboozle the Rising Stars batters.
Realeanna Grimmond was the lone Rising Stars batter to reach double figures, scoring 18 in a 21-ball stance as wickets kept tumbling around her. The Rising Stars posted 70 all out in 16.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Marie Josee Tumukunde was the pick of the bowlers finishing with figures of 3.3-0-8-4, followed by Sylvia Usabyimana with 4-0-20-4.
Rwanda had a nervous period in their run-chase as they lost wickets in close succession, but Gisele Ishimwe took on the responsibility to get her team voer the line to victory. Ishimwe faced a 53 delivereies to score her 31 runs which included two boundaries to keep the Rising Stars at bay, as they reached their 71-run target in 18.2 overs. Rwanda 71/6, Gisele Ishimwe 31 not out and Cynthis Tuyizere (12) were their top scorers. Rising Stars skipper Ashmini Munisar was their best bowler with figures of 4-0-8-1.
Head Coach was proud of his team despite the loss saying
“It’s a tough pill to swallow but the growth and development of this team has been our focus. As a batting group we can learn from the loss today and we will go back to analyze how we play against slower bowlers. I still believe in these players, and I know they will develop into better players.”
Liburd added,
We still have one game to play, and we are going to continue representing the Maroon with pride. This team can hold their heads high as we head into our last Super6 match against England.”
With the loss, the Rising Stars are on two points in fourth place in Group 2 of the Super6s. The Rising Stars will play England U19 in their final Super6 match on Tuesday January 26, 1:45pm local time (7:45am Eastern Caribbean/6:45am Jamaica time).
Points table here