As we head into the fifth match of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026, the standings are incredibly tight. The USA Women currently sit at the summit of the points table, boasting a perfect record with one win from their opening game and a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) of 2.200. Meanwhile, Rwanda Women are hot on their heels in second place. Although they’ve played two games—splitting them with one win and one loss—their tally of 2 points and an NRR of 0.926 keeps them well within striking distance of the top spot.
Squads:
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Bimenyimana (C), Alice Ikuzwe, Flora Irakoze, Rosine Irera, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Geovanis Uwase, Merveille Uwase (WK), Ruth Uwimana
United States of America Women’s Cricket Team
Aditiba Chudasama (C), Gargi Bhogle, Taranum Chopra, Nikhar Doshi, Pooja Ganesh (wk), Aparna Gurumurthy, Sainavi Kambalapalli, Maahi Madhavan, Chetna Pagydyala, Chetnaa Prasad, Lekha Shetty, Ritu Singh, Suhani Thadani, Isani Vaghela
Players to watch out:
Gargi Bhogle
Representing the USA, Gargi has shown she can be quite aggressive at the top of the order. In her recent outing, she played a brisk knock of 34 runs off just 27 deliveries, maintaining a solid strike rate of 125.92. Her ability to find the gaps is evident from the five boundaries she struck, making her a key player to watch during the powerplay overs.
Henriette Ishimwe
Henriette remains a vital all-rounder for Rwanda, consistently contributing in high-pressure situations. During this tournament, she has managed a top score of 24 and maintained a sharp strike rate of 120.83. Beyond her batting, her experience in the field and her ability to rotate strike effectively keep the scoreboard ticking for her side.
Taranum Chopra
Taranum has been a standout with the ball for the USA, proving to be a genuine wicket-taking threat. In her most recent spell, she picked up 2 wickets while conceding only 14 runs in 3 overs. Her disciplined line and length resulted in a clinical economy rate of 4.66, making it very difficult for opposing batters to get her away.
Belise Murekatete
Belise has been a force to be reckoned with for Rwanda, particularly for her efficiency and control. She recently turned in an incredible performance, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in a 3.3-over spell. With a remarkable economy rate of 1.71 and a maiden over to her name, she is currently one of the most economical bowlers in the competition.
Pitch:
The Gahanga B Ground in Kigali is known for its Bermuda Grass pitch, which provides a modern, professional surface typical of international standard venues. The track has generally favored bowlers; statistics from the venue show a significant edge for seamers, who have historically accounted for over 70% of wickets in women’s T20Is here.
Weather:
Expect a heavy thunderstorm during the day with a high of 23°C and a 65% chance of rain, followed by a cloudy night with a low of 14°C. The conditions promise a complete and uninterrupted game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Marie Bimenyimana, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Belise Murekatete, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Aditiba Chudasama, Gargi Bhogle, Taranum Chopra, Maahi Madhavan, Chetna Pagydyala, Isani Vaghela
Match Details:
Date – April 21, 2026
Time – 12:30 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga B Ground, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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