Zimbabwe Women High Performance XI held their nerve in a closely contested encounter against Brazil Women to register a three-wicket victory with 16 balls remaining in the 9th match of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda. Chasing a modest target, Zimbabwe Women HP-XI recovered from early setbacks before completing the chase at 102/7 in 17.2 overs, overcoming Brazil Women’s total of 98 all out.
After being asked to bat first, Brazil Women struggled to establish momentum despite a promising effort from Laura Agatha, who anchored the innings with a patient 54 off 54 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes. The innings got off to a shaky start when Lindsay Boas was run out for 9, ending an opening partnership worth 28 runs with Agatha. Brazil then suffered a collapse as wickets fell at regular intervals. Maria Silva departed without scoring, leaving the side at 30/2 in the sixth over.
Agatha attempted to rebuild alongside Evelyn Muller, adding 12 runs for the third wicket before Muller was trapped lbw by Salem Museka for 5. The pressure continued to mount as Monnike Machado contributed 9 runs in a fourth-wicket stand of 24 with Agatha. However, once Machado fell at 66/4, Brazil’s middle order failed to capitalize. Ana Sabino and Marianne Artur were both dismissed for ducks, while captain Carolina Nascimento managed only 5 runs. Agatha continued to fight from one end but lacked support as wickets tumbled around her.
The Brazilian innings featured several small partnerships rather than one dominant stand. Agatha’s 24-run stand with Machado proved the most productive after the opening partnership, while brief contributions from Lara Moisés (2) and Maria Ribeiro (1) could not prevent the batting collapse. Agatha eventually became the final wicket to fall for 54, with Brazil bowled out for 98 in 18.2 overs. Extras also played a role, contributing 13 runs to the total.
The star with the ball for Zimbabwe Women HP-XI was Salem Museka, whose outstanding spell of 4 for 13 in four overs earned her the Player of the Match award. Museka dismantled the middle order and maintained excellent control throughout her spell. Michelle Mavunga provided excellent support with figures of 2 for 8 from 3.2 overs, while Kudzai Chigora claimed 1 for 25. Nyasha Gwanzura picked up a wicket as well, conceding only 14 runs in her three overs. Adel Zimunu and Lindokuhle Mabhero also kept the scoring rate in check despite going wicketless.
Chasing 99, Zimbabwe Women HP-XI endured an uncertain start when opener Lindrose Masina fell for a duck in the third ball of the innings. Another early blow followed as captain Adel Zimunu was dismissed lbw for 0, reducing the side to 1/0 and then 2/1. At that stage, Kelly Ndiraya launched a counterattack that shifted the momentum decisively. Ndiraya smashed 34 off just 23 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, and stitched together a crucial 34-run partnership with Michelle Mavunga.
Although Mavunga contributed only 5 runs before being run out, Ndiraya’s aggressive batting ensured Zimbabwe remained ahead of the required rate. After her dismissal at 42/4, the chase became competitive again. Nyasha Gwanzura added a valuable 16 off 15 balls, forming a 23-run stand with Runyararo Pasipanodya, who chipped in with 13 from 14 deliveries. Their partnership helped Zimbabwe recover from the middle-order wobble and move within touching distance of the target.
Brazil continued to fight through disciplined bowling. Maria Ribeiro was the standout performer, claiming 2 for 20 in four overs, while Lindsay Boas also grabbed 2 wickets for 25 runs. Lara Moisés bowled economically and picked up 1 for 22, while captain Carolina Nascimento and Marianne Artur chipped in with one wicket each. Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe’s lower order held firm. After Lindokuhle Mabhero fell for a duck, unbeaten wicketkeeper Vimbai Mutungwindu scored 6 not out to guide her side home at 102/7 in 17.2 overs.
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