Rwanda’s Utagushimaninde makes history as youngest women’s T20I centurion

Rwanda’s Fanny Utagushimaninde etched her name into the record books with a sensational century on T20I debut, becoming the first woman to achieve the feat. The young batter struck an unbeaten 111 off 65 balls against Ghana in Lagos in the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament on Friday.

At just 15 years and 223 days, Utagushimaninde also became the youngest centurion in women’s T20I history, adding another milestone to her remarkable outing.

The previous highest score on women’s T20I debut was held by Australia’s Karen Rolton, who made an unbeaten 96 against England in Taunton back in 2005, in only the second women’s T20I ever played.

The record for the youngest T20I hundred 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.

While four male cricketers have scored centuries on T20I debut, none have come from Full Member nations. Canada’s Matthew Spoors tops that list with 108 not out against the Philippines in 2022, while France’s Gustav Mckeon remains the youngest male centurion, achieving the feat at 18 years and 280 days.

Utagushimaninde’s innings powered Rwanda to an imposing 210 for 3. Merveille Uwase provided valuable support with an unbeaten 32 off 19 balls, narrowly surpassing the extras tally of 28, which included 25 wides.

In reply, Ghana faltered in their chase, managing only 88 for 8 in 20 overs, as Rwanda sealed a comprehensive 122-run victory.