The second fixture of the day in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 features two teams looking to find their footing as the group stage progresses. Italy Women currently occupy the fourth spot on the table with 2 points. They’ve had a bit of a roller coaster start, securing one win and suffering one loss across their two matches, which has left them with a Net Run Rate of -1.259. At the bottom of the pile, Vanuatu Women are still searching for their first points. Having lost their opening encounter, they sit in fifth place with an NRR of -2.050, making this upcoming clash a vital opportunity to kickstart their campaign.
Squads:
Vanuatu Women’s Cricket Team
Alvina Chilia, Susan Stephen, Valenta Langiatu, Anna Griffin, Melissa Fare, Nasimana Navaika, Natalia Kakor, Rachel Andrew, Selina Solman, Gillian Chilia, Mahina Tarimiala, Rayline Ova, Vanessa Vira, Vicky Mansale
Italy Women’s Cricket Team
Emilia Bartram (C), Himanshi Daluwatta, Ishara Jayamannage (WK), Pasindi Kanankege, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Sadalee Malwatta, Emma Moore, Dilaisha Nanayakkara, Kumudu Peddrick, Amaya Rajapaksha, Methnara Rathnayake (WK), Ilenia Sims, Sonia Toffoletto
Players to watch out:
Alexia Kontopirakis
Alexia has been in fine form for Italy, currently sitting high on the run charts with an average of 51.00. Her standout performance was an unbeaten 45, showcasing her temperament and ability to finish an innings. With a strike rate of 121.42 and five boundaries already, she provides a perfect blend of stability and scoring intent.
Susan Stephen
A key figure in the Vanuatu line-up, Susan showed her grit by scoring 20 runs in her sole innings so far. While her strike rate of 68.96 suggests a more cautious approach, she anchored the innings and managed to clear the ropes for a six. Her presence in the middle order is crucial for steadying the ship when early wickets fall.
Ilenia Sims
Ilenia is proving to be a versatile asset for Italy, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. She has been lethal in the bowling department, claiming 3 wickets with a best of 2/11 and an economy of 5.33. Additionally, her ability to remain not out in the lower order, as seen in her 14* cameo, makes her a very reliable finisher for her team.
Vanessa Vira
Vanessa has emerged as a primary weapon for Vanuatu’s bowling attack. She delivered a match-winning spell recently, taking 3 wickets for just 8 runs in her 4-over quota. Her ability to maintain an economy of 2.00 while bowling a maiden over demonstrates a level of control that has consistently frustrated the opposition’s top order.
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:
Alvina Chilia, Susan Stephen, Rachel Andrew, Vanessa Vira, Vicky Mansale, Emilia Bartram, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Kumudu Peddrick, Ilenia Sims, Sonia Toffoletto
Match Details:
Date – April 21, 2026
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga B Ground, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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