NewKerala.com

15-Year-Old Makes History as First Woman to Score T20I Debut Century

Fanny Utagushimaninde, aged just 15 years and 223 days, has made history by becoming the first woman to score a century on her T20 International debut. Her unbeaten 111 from 65 balls broke the previous debut record held by Australia's Karen Rolton since 2005 and made her the youngest female centurion in T20Is. The innings, featuring 17 boundaries, propelled Rwanda Women to a massive total of 210/3 against Ghana in the Nigeria Invitational Tournament. Rwanda's bowlers, led by Belyse Murekatete's 3/20, then restricted Ghana to 88/8 to secure a commanding 122-run victory.

Key Points: Rwanda's Fanny Utagushimaninde Scores Historic T20I Debut Ton

  • First woman to score T20I debut century
  • Youngest female T20I centurion at 15
  • Broke Karen Rolton's 19-year-old record
  • Powered Rwanda to 122-run victory
  • Smashed 17 boundaries in unbeaten 111
2 min read

Rwanda's Fanny Utagushimaninde becomes first woman cricketer to score a ton on T20I debut

15-year-old Fanny Utagushimaninde becomes first woman to score a century on T20I debut, breaking multiple records in Rwanda's win over Ghana.

"Utagushimaninde smashed an unbeaten 111-run knock at 65 balls - ESPNcricinfo"

Lagos, March 20

Rwanda Women's team cricketer Fanny Utagushimaninde has made history by becoming the first woman to score a century on her T20I debut, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Utagushimaninde smashed an unbeaten 111-run knock at 65 balls against Ghana at Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos on Friday, during the Nigeria Invitational Women's T20I Tournament.

At just 15 years and 223 days old, she also became the youngest player to score a century in women's T20 internationals. Notably, the previous record for the highest score on a woman's T20I debut was held by Australia's Karen Rolton, who made an unbeaten 96 against England in Taunton in 2005.

The youngest centurion record had earlier belonged to Uganda's Prosscovia Alako, who was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored 116 against Mali in Kigali in 2019.

Coming to the match, Rwanda Women registered a commanding 122-run victory over Ghana. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rwanda's openers provided a blistering start. Utagushimaninde smashed 17 boundaries in her magnificent innings.

Supported by a late cameo from Merveille Uwase (32* off 19), Rwanda posted a massive total of 210/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Ghana's bowlers struggled to contain the run rate, with Grace Quaicoe, Miriam Eshun, and Ernestina Sagoe managing one wicket apiece.

Chasing a daunting target of 211, Ghana never found their rhythm. Rwanda's disciplined bowling kept the pressure high from the very first over.

Kate Awuah provided the lone resistance for Ghana, scoring 31 runs off 56 balls. Ghana were eventually restricted to 88/8 at the end of 20 overs, falling well short of the target. Rwanda's Belyse Murekatete led the bowling charge, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 20 in 4 overs.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Fantastic achievement! Breaking an 18-year-old record held by Karen Rolton is no small feat. 111* off 65 balls is a brutal innings. Hope the BCCI and our cricket board takes note and maybe invites these emerging African teams for more exposure tours. Healthy competition is good for the sport.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love seeing the game grow like this. A 15-year-old from Rwanda making history! It shows cricket is truly becoming a global game. More power to her and to the women's game everywhere.
A
Aman W
Brilliant! 17 boundaries in the innings... she was on fire. While we celebrate, I hope the media and boards give equal coverage to these milestones from associate nations. Sometimes we in India are too focused only on the big teams. This deserves front-page news!
K
Karthik V
A small respectful criticism: the article mentions the venue as "Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos". It would be helpful for fans if reports like these gave a bit more context about the tournament itself and the level of competition. Still, a phenomenal record by the young star. Jai Hind!
N
Nisha Z
This is the kind of news that makes my day! A teenager from a non-traditional cricket nation creating history. It gives so much hope. Maybe one day we'll see an India vs Rwanda women's match in a World Cup. The game is expanding, and it's beautiful to watch. 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50