Fanny Utagushimaninde Makes T20I History with Centenary Debut
Synopsis
Fanny Utagushimaninde has etched her name in cricket history by becoming the first woman to score a century on her T20I debut. At just 15 years old, she led the Rwanda women's cricket team in a stunning victory over Ghana with an unbeaten 111 runs.
Key Takeaways
Fanny Utagushimaninde scored 111 runs on her T20I debut.
She became the first woman to achieve a century in T20I history on her debut.
At 15 years old, she is the youngest female centurion in T20Is.
Rwanda women's team won by 122 runs against Ghana.
Utagushimaninde surpassed the previous record held by Prosscovia Alako.
Lagos, March 20 (NationPress) A remarkable milestone was achieved in Lagos as Fanny Utagushimaninde made her mark by becoming the first female cricketer to score a century on her T20I debut. She shone brightly at the Nigeria Invitational Women's T20I Tournament, finishing with an impressive unbeaten total of 111 runs off 65 balls against the Ghana women's national cricket team.
At the tender age of 15 years and 223 days, the Rwandan batswoman set a new benchmark as the youngest female centurion in women’s T20Is, underscoring the importance of her remarkable feat.
Her stellar performance propelled the Rwanda women's national cricket team to a formidable score of 210 for 3. The second highest score was achieved by Merveille Uwase, who contributed an unbeaten 32 runs off 19 balls. Interestingly, the extras column, which included 25 wides, added a total of 28 runs, making it the third highest contributor.
Utagushimaninde’s achievement eclipsed the long-standing record held by Karen Rolton, who scored 96 not out on her T20I debut against England in Taunton back in 2005.
This match marked only the second women's T20I ever played. Additionally, her accomplishment surpassed Prosscovia Alako, who was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored 116 against Mali in 2019, making Utagushimaninde the youngest centurion in women’s T20I history.
Rwanda showcased their bowling prowess by limiting Ghana to a mere 88 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. This performance secured Rwanda a decisive 122-run victory, capping off an unforgettable day for the young star.
While four men have achieved a century on their T20I debut, including Matthew Spoors, who scored 108 not out against the Philippines in 2022, none have come from Full Member nations.
As per ESPNCricinfo, Gustav McKeon holds the record for the youngest men’s T20I centurion at 18 years and 280 days.
Point of View
I view Fanny Utagushimaninde's achievement as a significant milestone in women's cricket. Her record-setting performance not only showcases her talent but also highlights the growth of cricket in Rwanda, inspiring future generations of female athletes.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fanny Utagushimaninde?
Fanny Utagushimaninde is a young Rwandan cricketer who made history by becoming the first woman to score a century on her T20I debut.
What record did she set?
She set the record for being the youngest female centurion in T20I history at the age of 15 years and 223 days.
How did Rwanda perform in the match?
The Rwanda women's cricket team scored 210 runs and restricted Ghana to 88 runs, winning the match by 122 runs.
What was her score in the match?
Utagushimaninde scored an unbeaten 111 runs off 65 balls.
What was the significance of her achievement?
Her achievement signifies the remarkable rise of women's cricket in Rwanda and sets a new standard for young cricketers globally.
