The points table tells a tale of two very different campaigns heading into this matchup of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026. Italy is currently in fourth place with four points, but they hold a significant advantage: they have only played four games compared to everyone else’s five, giving them a crucial game in hand to climb higher. Vanuatu, on the other hand, is struggling at the bottom of the table in fifth place with just one win and two points from their five outings. For Vanuatu, this is about pride and ending on a high, while for Italy, it’s a golden opportunity to leapfrog the middle-tier teams.
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
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
Players to watch out:
Valenta Langiatu
Valenta currently sits at the top of the batting charts, leading the tournament with 164 runs in 5 matches. She has been in sublime form, punctuated by an unbeaten 71* and a tournament-high 6 sixes that showcase her raw power. Averaging 41.00, she has been the backbone of Vanuatu’s campaign, consistently delivering under pressure and outperforming some of the most established names in the trophy.
Ilenia Sims
Despite playing one less game than her counterparts, Ilenia has made a significant impact for Italy with 88 runs in 4 innings. Her unbeaten 61* remains one of the highlights of the tournament, helping her maintain a healthy average of 44.00. She combines patience with calculated risks, as shown by her 11 boundaries, making her the most consistent run-getter for the Italian side.
Vanessa Vira
Vanessa has been the most lethal bowler of the tournament so far, sitting comfortably at the top of the wickets table with 10 scalps. Her consistency is remarkable, averaging a wicket every 11 balls with a phenomenal average of 7.50. With a best of 3/8 and an economy rate of just 3.84, she has effectively dismantled top orders and established herself as the premier strike bowler of the series.
Chathurika Mahamalage
Chathurika has been a revelation for Italy, picking up 8 wickets in just 4 matches to stay right in the hunt for the leading wicket-taker title. Her spell of 4/24 is currently the best individual bowling performance in the tournament, showcasing her ability to run through a batting lineup. Even with a slightly higher economy rate than others, her knack for taking wickets at crucial junctures makes her Italy’s biggest weapon.
Pitch:
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. While the main ground is famous for its architecture, the B Ground offers a competitive environment where the average first-innings score often hovers around 103, rewarding disciplined line and length.
Weather:
Expect a high of 22°C and a low of 16°C, with heavy thunderstorms during the day (60% chance of rain) transitioning to light rain at night.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Emilia Bartram, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Kumudu Peddrick, Ilenia Sims, Alvina Chilia, Valenta Langiatu, Rachel Andrew, Selina Solman, Vanessa Vira, Vicky Mansale
Match Details:
Date – April 28, 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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