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15-Year-Old Fanny Utagushimaninde Smashes Century on T20I Debut

Fanny Utagushimaninde, aged just 15 years and 223 days, made history by scoring an unbeaten 111 on her T20I debut for Rwanda against Ghana. Her innings broke the record for the youngest centurion in women's T20Is, surpassing Prosscovia Alako. It also eclipsed the previous highest score on a women's T20I debut, set by Karen Rolton in 2005. Rwanda secured a dominant 122-run victory, capping a memorable day for their teenage sensation.

Key Points: Rwanda's Fanny Utagushimaninde: Century on T20I Debut

  • First woman to score a century on T20I debut
  • Youngest centurion in women's T20Is at 15 years
  • Broke Karen Rolton's long-standing debut record
  • Led Rwanda to a 122-run victory over Ghana
2 min read

Rwanda's Fanny Utagushimaninde scripts history with a century of T20I debut

15-year-old Fanny Utagushimaninde scores unbeaten 111 on debut, becoming the youngest centurion in women's T20I history for Rwanda.

"History was made in Lagos as Fanny Utagushimaninde delivered an impressive performance to become the first woman to score a century on T20I debut."

Lagos, March 20

History was made in Lagos as Fanny Utagushimaninde delivered an impressive performance to become the first woman to score a century on T20I debut. She dazzled in the Nigeria Invitational Women's T20I Tournament with a remarkable unbeaten 111 runs off 65 balls against the Ghana women's national cricket team.

At just 15 years and 223 days old, the Rwandan batter set a new record as the youngest centurion in women's T20Is, highlighting the significance of her achievement.

Her innings helped the Rwanda women's national cricket team reach a solid total of 210 for 3. The next highest score came from Merveille Uwase, who made an unbeaten 32 runs off 19 balls. Notably, the extras column, which included 25 wides, contributed the third-highest total with 28 runs.

Utagushimaninde's accomplishment broke a long-held record by Karen Rolton, who had scored 96 not out on T20I debut against England in Taunton in 2005.

That match was only the second women's T20I ever played. This milestone also meant she surpassed Prosscovia Alako as the youngest centurion in women's T20Is; Alako was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored 116 against Mali in 2019.

Rwanda continued their dominance with the ball, restricting Ghana to only 88 for 8 in their 20 overs. This result handed Rwanda a decisive 122-run victory and capped a memorable day for their teenage star.

While men's T20I cricket has seen four debut centurions, including Matthew Spoors, who scored 108 not out against the Philippines in 2022, none have been from Full Member nations.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Gustav McKeon holds the record for being the youngest men's T20I centurion at 18 years and 280 days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love seeing these stories from associate nations. It shows the global growth of the sport. A century on debut in any format is special, but in T20 and at that age? Simply phenomenal. Hope to see her play in a World Cup soon.
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Priya S
Wow! 111* off 65 balls is a brutal innings. The article mentions 25 wides from Ghana, but that takes nothing away from her knock. You still have to score the runs. At 15, her temperament must be amazing. Big congratulations to her and Rwandan cricket!
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Rohit P
This is the kind of news that makes my day. A young girl from a non-traditional cricket nation making history. It's more than just runs; it's about inspiration. I hope the BCCI and other full members do more to support women's cricket in these developing regions.
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Meera T
Respectfully, while the achievement is outstanding, the level of opposition needs to be considered. Ghana isn't a top-tier team, and 25 wides suggests poor bowling discipline. The real test will be against stronger sides. Still, a century is a century, and her age makes it remarkable.
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Vikram M
Breaking Karen Rolton's record is no small feat! This is huge for the sport. I'm sharing this with my daughter who plays club cricket here in Pune. Stories like this show that with talent and hard work, you can come from anywhere and make a mark. Jai ho!

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