This is where it all boils down. In what seems to be an exciting final, the hosts, Nigeria, will play a surging Rwandan team. Throughout the week, Nigeria has been supported by an enthusiastic home audience, and their convincing 8-wicket victory over South Africa U-19 in the semi-final demonstrated that they are peaking at the perfect moment. But Rwanda has emerged victorious in this competition. They have demonstrated a fearless style of cricket, as evidenced by their group stage victory over Nigeria, where they easily chased down 90. This is more than just a final for the Yellow Greens; it’s an opportunity for them to make amends on their home field.
Lillian Udeh and Usen Peace, two of Nigeria’s best bowlers, are crucial to the country’s prospects. They have shown to be extremely tough to score against, frequently suffocating opposition with their accuracy. Henriette Ishimwe of Rwanda has been playing devastatingly, so they will need to perform at their highest level. Ishimwe poses the greatest threat to Nigeria’s title aspirations due to her ability to find the boundary at will. The game opens up if the Nigerian bowlers can catch her early, but Rwanda might easily overtake the hosts if she settles in.
The tactical chess match between the two captains will be exciting in addition to the individual fights. Lucky Piety of Nigeria will want her team to bat far more clinically than they did in the last encounter, when a middle-order collapse cost them dearly. Under Marie Bimenyimana’s leadership, Rwanda plays with a great deal of confidence and freedom, which can be daunting for any bowling assault. Nigeria’s tactical precision versus Rwanda’s explosive flair is a classic final battle. Expect a thrilling finale that may extend all the way to the last over because the trophy is at stake.
Squads:
Rwanda Women
Alice Ikuzwe, Belise Murekatete, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Flora Irakoze, Geovanis Uwase, Rosette Shimwamana, Rosine Irera, Sylivie Usabyimana, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette T. Ishimwe, Marie Diane Bimenyimana (C), Merveille Uwase, Shakila Niyomuhoza
Nigeria Women
Anointed Akhigbe, Christabel Chukwuonye, Esther Sandy, Favour Effiong, Henrietta Mbam, Kehinde Amusa, Lilian Ude, Peace Usen, Piety Lucky, Queen Joseph, Salome Sunday, Sarah Etim, Shola Adekunle, Victory Igbinedion, Omosigho Eguakun
Players to watch out for:
Merville Uwase
The Rwandan wicketkeeper, who amassed 112 runs during the invitational, was a shining example of consistency at the top of the order. She remained a reliable hand behind the stumps and gave Rwanda the consistent starts they needed to produce competitive totals. She handled the game from behind the wickets, demonstrating her leadership and experience even though she didn’t bowl
Lucky Piety
With a strong return of 128 runs, Lucky Piety the Captain of the host nation carried the burden of expectations. She was the driving force behind Nigeria’s batting lineup, frequently clearing the infield with ease and propelling the team to winning totals in crucial games. Although she concentrated mostly on her batting and leadership throughout this tournament, her tactical captaincy was crucial to Nigeria’s victory
Belise Murekatete
Belise finished the competition with five wickets and was a continual danger to Rwanda with the new ball. She was a key contributor to Rwanda’s disciplined bowling performances, always upsetting hitters with her accuracy and movement. Her usefulness as a front-line bowler was crucial to her team’s plan, even though her batting contributions were low at just 5 runs
Usen Peace
Usen Peace, who finished the competition as the top wicket-taker with 11 scalps, has emerged as the tournament’s breakthrough hero. Several three-wicket hauls that destroyed opposing batting lineups demonstrated her unparalleled ability to take wickets in large quantities. She was the most feared bowler in the series despite only scoring two runs thanks to her deadly accuracy and ability to take wickets
Pitch Report:
The TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos features a modern ten-strip turf wicket that has replaced the old concrete surface, offering a more professional and consistent bounce. Early on, the pitch provides decent carry for seamers, but as the match progresses, it typically dries out to favor spinners who can exploit the natural wear and grip
Weather Report:
Tomorrow in Lagos, expect a high of 31°C and a low of 25°C with heavy thunderstorms during the day and a 95% chance of rain
Fantasy XI Predictions:
Belise Murekatete, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Geovanis Uwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette T. Ishimwe, Merveille Uwase, Anointed Akhigbe, Christabel Chukwuonye, Esther Sandy, Peace Usen, Piety Lucky
Match Details:
Date: 29th March, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, Nigeria
Broadcast: The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website
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