Fani Otagosmaninde: Rwanda’s player is the youngest woman to reach the T20 International Century

Rwandan Fanny Otagosimaninde says it has been a “dream” after becoming the youngest woman to enter the 20th century international at the age of 15 years and 223 days.

Opener Utagushimaninde hit 111 off 65 balls on her T20 debut in a 122-run win over Ghana in a tournament in Lagos, Nigeria.

She reached three figures off 59 balls in the 18th over with a clip over mid-wicket off Ghana seamer Elizabeth Anwar.

The teenager broke the record previously held by Ugandan Proscovia Alako, who was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored a hundred against Mali in June 2019.

Otagusimaninde, who came through a school program in Rwanda supported by the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation, told BBC Sport it was a bit surreal when she reached the milestone.

“It was a special moment for me and my cricketing journey. It was a dream to achieve this on my debut when I was 15,” she said.

“It shows my hard work, confidence and passion for the game. I am grateful for the support from my coaches, teammates and everyone around me.

“I will continue to push myself to improve and achieve more in the future.”

Utagushimaninde’s score was also the highest by a woman on her T20 debut, beating the 96 made by Australian Karen Rolton against England in 2005.

Rwanda coach Leonard Namburu added: “This record-breaking performance is a testament to the hard work and dedication she has put in.”

“It is something Fanny has gained through years of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the game and a true testament to how cricket has evolved in Rwanda.”

Frenchman Gustave McKeown, aged 18 years and 280 days, is the youngest man to score a T20 international century with his 61-ball 109 against Switzerland in July 2022.