Vanuatu Women Edge Nepal by 22 Runs in Low-Scoring ICC Challenge Trophy Clash

Key facts

• Vanuatu Women defeated Nepal Women by 22 runs in the ninth match of the ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 on April 24 in Kigali.
• The match was played at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, where the pitch assisted bowlers early on.
• Selina Solman scored 730 runs and taken 56 wickets in her WT20I career, with best figures of 5/9.
• Rachel Andrew has 1273 runs and 56 wickets in WT20Is, including a century and four half-centuries.
• Nepal captain Indu Barma has 1146 runs and 41 wickets in her WT20I career.
• Vanuatu entered the match without points after three consecutive defeats; Nepal had two wins from three matches.
• The match was live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
• A subsequent match between the same teams was scheduled for April 30, also in Kigali.

A Turnaround Under Pressure

Vanuatu Women secured their first victory of the ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 on April 24, defeating Nepal Women by 22 runs in a low-scoring contest at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali. The result lifted Vanuatu off the bottom of the points table, while Nepal missed a chance to consolidate their third-place standing. The match, which began at 12:30 PM IST under partly cloudy skies, saw bowlers dominate early as the grassy pitch offered movement for fast bowlers. Humidity levels further aided swing, making the powerplay overs particularly challenging for batters.

Solman and Andrew Lead Vanuatu's Charge

Selina Solman, Vanuatu's captain and all-rounder, anchored the innings with a composed knock, adding crucial runs after early wickets fell. She has scored 730 runs in her WT20I career, including two half-centuries, and has taken 56 wickets in 53 innings, with best bowling figures of 5/9. Rachel Andrew, known for her aggressive batting, provided late impetus, scoring quickly during the middle overs. Andrew has amassed 1273 runs in 59 innings, including one century and four half-centuries, and has also claimed 56 wickets. Their partnership proved decisive as Vanuatu posted a modest but defendable total. Andrew's ability to change momentum was on full display, putting Nepal's bowlers under pressure during the powerplay.

Nepal's Response Falls Short

Chasing the target, Nepal's batting lineup struggled against disciplined Vanuatu bowling. Captain Indu Barma, who has scored 1146 runs and taken 41 wickets in her career, tried to stabilize the innings but found little support from the middle order. Vice-captain Puja Mahato, with 693 runs and 33 wickets, also failed to convert her start into a match-winning innings. Vanuatu's bowlers maintained tight lines, exploiting the pitch's early assistance. The required run rate climbed steadily, and Nepal's lower order could not bridge the gap, falling 22 runs short.

Tournament Implications

The defeat leaves Nepal with two wins from four matches, their qualification hopes now dependent on other results. Vanuatu, after three consecutive losses, finally opened their account, injecting momentum into their campaign. Both teams are scheduled to meet again on April 30 at the same venue, a match that could prove pivotal for either side's progression to the knockout stage. The Gahanga International Cricket Stadium's surface is expected to continue favoring bowlers, especially early in the innings, making toss decisions and powerplay performance critical.

Key Players to Watch in the Rematch

For Vanuatu, Selina Solman and Rachel Andrew remain the linchpins, with their all-round abilities capable of turning matches. Nepal will rely on Indu Barma's calm leadership and Puja Mahato's balance. Other notable players include Rubina Chhetri, Kabita Kunwar, and Anna Griffin for Vanuatu, and Rubi Poddar, Kabita Joshi, and Manisha Upadhyaya for Nepal. The April 30 encounter, starting at 4:30 PM IST, will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website. With both teams desperate for points, the rematch promises high stakes.

Outlook and Stakes

Vanuatu's first win has breathed life into their campaign, but they remain under pressure to string together victories. Nepal, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the table. The upcoming match will test both teams' ability to adapt to the conditions and execute under pressure. As the tournament progresses toward the knockout stage, every point becomes precious. The result on April 30 could define the trajectory of both teams' tournaments.

The bottom line

• Vanuatu won by 22 runs, their first victory in the tournament after three losses.
• Nepal now have two wins from four matches, with qualification uncertain.
• Selina Solman and Rachel Andrew were instrumental for Vanuatu with bat and ball.
• The Gahanga pitch favors bowlers early, making powerplay overs crucial.
• The two teams will face each other again on April 30 in Kigali.
• Both sides need consistent performances to advance in the ICC Women's T20I Challenge Trophy.