Nigeria Women produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Rwanda by nine runs and emerge champions of the NCF Women’s Invitational Tournament, tagged the Patricia Kambarami Cup, in a thrilling final decided on Saturday.

In a contest that lived up to expectations, Nigeria defended a modest total to stun their long-time rivals and seal one of the most dramatic victories in the history of the competition.

After winning the toss, Nigeria opted to bat but struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Rwandan attack. They were restricted to 27 for one at the end of the power play, with runs hard to come by.

Esther Sandy top-scored with 26 runs, while captain Lucky Piety added 17, but a late collapse saw Nigeria lose seven wickets for just 18 runs. Rwanda captain Diane Bimenyimana starred with the ball, claiming a hat-trick as Nigeria were bowled out for 80 in 20 overs.

Chasing a modest target, Rwanda appeared to be in control early on, but Nigeria’s bowlers turned the game on its head with a disciplined and spirited display.

Peace Usen led the fightback, removing key batters to put Rwanda under pressure. At the end of the power play, Rwanda were 23 for two, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Captain Lucky Piety also made crucial breakthroughs as Nigeria tightened their grip on the game.

In a tense finish, Rwanda fell short, bowled out for 71 in their 20 overs, as Nigeria completed a stunning turnaround to lift the trophy.

Usen finished with three wickets for 18 runs and was named player of the match for the third time in the tournament.

Rwanda’s Bimenyimana was named the Most Valuable Player, while Zimbabwe’s Beloved Biza won the Best Batter award. Usen claimed the Best Bowler prize, with Nigeria’s Christabel Chukwuonye emerging as Best Fielder.

In the third-place match, South Africa Women’s U-19 defeated Zimbabwe Women’s U-19 by 70 runs to finish third.

South Africa posted 133 for five, powered by a half-century from captain Mieke van Voorst, who scored 52 runs, while Daneli Boshoff added an unbeaten 23.

Zimbabwe struggled in response and were restricted to 63 for eight in 20 overs, with Boshoff also impressing with the ball to earn the player of the match award.