Lagos, Nigeria – Fifteen-year-old Fanny Utagushimaninde of Rwanda has rewritten the record books in women’s Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket, becoming the youngest player, male or female, to score a century in the format. Utagushimaninde achieved the milestone on her debut match, smashing an unbeaten 111 off 65 balls against Ghana at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament on Friday, March 20, 2026.
The stunning innings powered Rwanda to a commanding 122-run victory, posting a total of 210/3 while restricting Ghana to 88/8. But beyond the result, Utagushimaninde’s performance marks a significant moment in the sport, showcasing the growing talent within the Rwandan cricket program and setting a new benchmark for young players globally. Her achievement underscores a rising profile for women’s cricket in Africa.
Utagushimaninde reached her century off 59 balls in the 18th over, hitting a clip through mid-wicket off Ghana seamer Elizabeth Annor. The record previously belonged to Uganda’s Prosscovia Alako, who was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored a hundred against Mali in June 2019, according to the International Cricket Council. The young Rwandan batter surpassed Alako’s record by a significant margin, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
“It was a special moment for me and my cricket journey. A dream to achieve it on my debut at 15,” Utagushimaninde told BBC Sport. “This shows my hard work, confidence and passion for the game. I’m grateful for the support from my coaches, team-mates and everyone around me. I will keep pushing myself to improve and achieve more in the future.”
Record-Breaking Debut
Utagushimaninde’s remarkable innings wasn’t just about breaking age records. it also established a new benchmark for debut performances in women’s T20I cricket. Her unbeaten 111 is now the highest score by a woman on her T20I debut, surpassing the previous record of 96 not out held by Australia’s Karen Rolton against England in 2005, as reported by India TV News. She reached her century in just 59 balls, demonstrating both power and precision at the crease.
The success is also a testament to the development programs in Rwanda, particularly a schools initiative supported by the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation. Rwanda coach Leonard Nhamburo emphasized the dedication behind Utagushimaninde’s achievement, stating, “This record-breaking performance is a testament of the hard work and dedication she did put in. It’s something that Fanny earned through years of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the game and a true testimony of how development cricket is coming through in Rwanda.”
Youngest Centurions: Men vs. Women
While Utagushimaninde’s feat is groundbreaking in women’s cricket, it’s worth noting the comparison with the men’s game. France’s Gustav McKeon currently holds the record for the youngest male T20I centurion, scoring 109 off 61 balls against Switzerland in July 2022 at the age of 18 years and 280 days, according to multiple reports including ESPN. This highlights the emerging talent and increasing competitiveness in both the men’s and women’s game.
The Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament has provided a platform for emerging talents like Utagushimaninde to shine. Her performance is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers in Rwanda and across the African continent.
Looking ahead, Utagushimaninde’s focus will be on continuing her development and contributing to the success of the Rwandan national team. Her debut century is just the beginning, and the cricket world will be watching closely to see what she accomplishes next.
What are your thoughts on Fanny Utagushimaninde’s incredible achievement? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
