Match 4 in the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 features two teams with very different cricketing identities. Nepal enters as one of the tournament favorites, sitting comfortably at 21st in the world rankings. They play a brand of cricket that is technically sound and incredibly energetic, led by the influential Indu Barma and the versatile Sita Rana Magar. Italy, meanwhile, is the rising European force. Led by Emilia Bartram, the Italians have been working hard to shed their underdog tag. They bring a physical, high-intensity game to the table and have integrated experienced players like Methnara Rathnayake to add some steel to their batting lineup.
Squads:
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
Nepal Women’s Cricket Team
Indu Barma (C), Puja Mahato (VC), Suman Bist, Rachana Chaudhary, Rubina Chhetry, Kabita Joshi, Anu Kadayat, Samjhana Khadka, Kabita Kunwar, Rubi Poddar (WK), Bindu Rawal, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Manisha Upadhayay
Players to watch out:
Methnara Rathnayake
As Italy’s primary wicketkeeper, Methnara provides immense stability both behind the stumps and in the middle order. She has evolved into a formidable batter, boasting 566 runs in 40 T20I appearances, including a dominant personal best of 81. Her efficiency with the gloves is equally impressive, having recorded 21 catches and 15 stumpings to anchor the Italian defense.
Chathurika Mahamalage
A cornerstone of the Italian side, Chathurika has represented her country in 44 WT20Is, accumulating 552 runs with a solid average of 20.44. She is a reliable right-arm medium-fast bowler who has claimed 41 wickets, including a standout performance of 4/17 that showcased her ability to move the ball effectively. Her experience and composure in the middle order make her one of the most consistent performers in the European circuit.
Indu Barma
The Nepal captain is a formidable presence in the middle order, having played 82 WT20Is and scoring 1,080 runs. Her career is highlighted by a high score of 55 against Qatar and a steady ability to anchor an innings, while her medium-pace bowling has accounted for 40 wickets at a tight economy of 4.54. She remains the tactical brain of the team, often delivering her best bowling figures—like her 3/5 against Bahrain—just when the game is hanging in the balance.
Sita Rana Magar
Sita is a true veteran of the game with 68 WT20I caps, recently crossing the 1,000-run milestone with a personal best of 82*. As a premier all-rounder, she is equally dangerous with her left-arm orthodox spin, having taken 62 wickets at an impressive average of 15.34. Her ability to dominate both departments was on full display in early 2025 when she tore through the Netherlands’ lineup to record career-best figures of 5/12.
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:
The weather in Kigali will feature scattered thunderstorms during the day with a high temperature of 24°C and a 55% chance of rain. Winds will be light at 5 mph from the southeast, while the night is expected to be cloudy with a low of 16°C.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Emilia Bartram, Chathurika Mahamalage, Sadalee Malwatta, Emma Moore, Methnara Rathnayake, Indu Barma, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetry, Kabita Joshi, Bindu Rawal, Manisha Upadhayay
Match Details:
Date – April 19, 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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