At just 15 years and 223 days, Rwanda’s rising star smashes 111* on debut, setting multiple records in women’s T20I cricket

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Rwanda’s teenage sensation Fanny Utagushimaninde has etched her name into the record books by becoming the youngest centurion in women’s T20 Internationals. The 15-year-old prodigy achieved the milestone during the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament in Lagos, delivering a stunning unbeaten knock of 111 off just 65 balls against Ghana.

With this remarkable innings, Utagushimaninde also became the first woman in cricket history to score a century on T20I debut, marking a groundbreaking moment in the evolution of women’s cricket. At 15 years and 223 days, she surpassed the previous record held by Uganda’s Prosscovia Alako, who scored a century at 16 years and 233 days in 2019.

The previous highest individual score on women’s T20I debut belonged to Australia’s Karen Rolton, who made 96* against England in 2005. Utagushimaninde’s century not only broke that long-standing record but did so in dominant fashion, highlighting her immense potential on the international stage.

Her innings powered Rwanda to a commanding total of 210 for 3 in 20 overs. Support came from Merveille Uwase, who contributed 32* off 19 balls, while the team also benefited from 28 extras, including 25 wides.

In reply, Ghana struggled to keep up with the required run rate and managed only 88 for 8 in their allotted overs, handing Rwanda a comprehensive 122-run victory.

While a few male cricketers have scored centuries on T20I debut, none have come from Full Member nations. Canada’s Matthew Spoors leads that list with 108*, while France’s Gustav McKeon holds the record as the youngest male centurion in T20Is at 18 years and 280 days.

Utagushimaninde’s historic performance is being hailed as a major milestone for Rwanda cricket and a significant boost for women’s cricket globally, showcasing the emergence of young talent on the international stage.