The tenth fixture of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 features Italy Women facing off against USA Women in a crucial group-stage match. Both teams are eager to secure points to improve their standings. Italy have shown potential but struggle with consistency. They aim for a well-rounded performance to enhance their Net Run Rate and rise in the rankings. Meanwhile, the USA Women have demonstrated a competitive edge with a strong mix of power hitters and steady bowlers. They seek to maintain momentum with another solid performance.
Squads:
Italy Women’s Cricket Team
Emilia Bartram (C), Dilaisha Nanayakkara (VC), Teshani Araliya, Nimesha Ekanayake, Ishara Jayamannage, Pasindi Kanankege, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Sadalee Malwatta, Emma Moore, Kumudu Peddrick, Amaya Rajapaksha, Methnara Rathnayake (WK), Ilenia Sims, Sonia Toffoletto
United States of America Women’s Cricket Team
Aditiba Chudasama, Chetna Reddy Pagydyala, Suhani Thadani, Disha Dhingra, Gargi Bhogle, Geetika Kodali, Jessica Willathgamuwa, Jivana Aras, Lekha Shetty, Maahi Madhavan, Mitali Patwardhan, Pooja Ganesh, Ritu Singh, Saanvi Immadi
Players to watch out:
Alexia Kontopirakis
Alexia has been one of the performers for Italy Women. She has scored 124 runs in 10 innings. Her best score of 45* came against Rwanda Women in this tournament. Her ability to play both aggressive and calculated shots makes her a key figure in Italy’s batting lineup.
Ilenia Sims
A valuable all-rounder for Italy, Ilenia has contributed significantly with both bat and ball. She has scored 491 runs in 22 innings with an average of 32.73. She has scored two half-centuries, and her best score in the format is 61*. Sims has picked up 33 wickets with an average of 12.93 and an economy rate of 5.48. Her best figures in the WT20I are 3/0. Her disciplined bowling has resulted in crucial breakthroughs, while her lower-order batting provides depth and stability.
Suhani Thadani
Suhani Thadani is a crucial all-rounder for the USA, playing as a right-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler. She has taken 16 wickets in 22 innings, with best figures of 4/6.
Geetika Kodali
A consistent performer with the ball, Geetika adds strength to the USA bowling attack. Geetika has scored 121 runs and picked up 25 wickets in the WT20Is. Her best figures in WT20I are 5/43. Her ability to maintain tight lines and pick up wickets in crucial phases of the game makes her a key threat, especially on bowler-friendly surfaces.
Pitch:
The Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali features a pitch that typically favours bowlers, especially seamers. The wicket, covered with Bermuda grass, offers early movement, which can be difficult for batters to handle in the initial overs. However, as the match continues, the pitch tends to stabilise, allowing batters to play their shots more freely. As a result, teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first to take advantage of the favourable conditions.
Weather:
The forecast indicates cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain interruptions. Daytime temperatures are expected to be around 22°C, creating pleasant conditions for playing. However, the moisture in the air could benefit swing bowlers, adding an extra challenge for the batters.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Emilia Bartram, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Ilenia Sims, Sonia Toffoletto, Sindhu Sriharsha, Disha Dhingra, Geetika Kodali, Ritu Singh, Isani Vaghela, Anika Kolan
Match Details:
Date – April 24, 2026
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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