Individual awards race heats up at NCF T20i News

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Individual awards race heats up at NCF T20i

By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 27, 2026

The race for individual honours at the NCF Women’s Invitational 2026, tagged the Patricia Kambarami Cup, has evolved into a gripping subplot ahead of the semi-finals, with standout performers across the batting and bowling charts pushing each other to the limit, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

At the top of the batting leaderboard sits Beloved Biza of Zimbabwe U-19, whose 170 runs have come with a blend of composure and controlled aggression.

On Wednesday, she scored 102 runs to overtake Rwanda’s Fanny Utagushimaninde, who had earlier set a record as the youngest centurion in international cricket at the tournament, leaving her on 156 runs after four matches.

Biza also powered Zimbabwe U-19 to break Rwanda’s tournament record of 210 runs, as they set a new mark of 225 against Ghana.

South Africa U-19’s Mieke Van Voorst also remains firmly in contention with 155 runs, just 15 behind the leader.

Nigeria captain Lucky Piety and Zimbabwe U-19’s Christina Mutasa are tied on 110 runs, and while they trail the top three, both players have shown flashes of brilliance that could yet propel them into contention.

On the bowling front, Nigeria’s Peace Usen has set the benchmark with nine wickets and an impressive 59 dot balls, underlining her control and ability to restrict scoring opportunities. Her performances have been instrumental in Nigeria’s campaign, particularly in tight situations where discipline has been key.

Rwanda captain Biemenyimana Marie Diane is close behind with eight wickets and 54 dot balls, showcasing a similar level of consistency. Her role in Rwanda’s unbeaten run through the round-robin phase cannot be overstated, as she has repeatedly delivered breakthroughs at crucial junctures.

Zimbabwe U-19’s Salem Museka and South Africa U-19’s Ashleigh Van Wyk are tied on six wickets, though Van Wyk edges ahead in dot-ball count with 53 compared to Museka’s 48. Both bowlers have been vital to their teams’ structure, offering control in the middle overs and limiting opposition momentum.

Nigeria’s Kehinde Amusa, with five wickets and 46 dot balls, remains an outside contender but one capable of making a late surge.

Attention now shifts to Friday’s semi-finals, where Nigeria will once again face South Africa U-19 after narrowly escaping a scare in their previous meeting.

In the second semi-final, unbeaten Rwanda will take on Zimbabwe U-19 in what promises to be a tightly contested clash.

Ultimately, Saturday’s final will not only crown the tournament champions but also determine who emerges as the standout individual performers of the Patricia Kambarami Cup.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 27, 2026