The eighteenth match of the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 will feature Vanuatu Women facing Nepal Women in an important group-stage clash on April 30 in Kigali, Rwanda. As the tournament moves closer to the knockout stage, both teams will be eager to grab crucial points to improve their standings on the points table and keep their qualification hopes alive.
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
Nepal Women’s Cricket Team
Indu Barma (C), Puja Mahato (VC), Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Rubi Poddar, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bist, Anu Kadayat, Manisha Upadhyaya, Rubina Chhetri, Rachana Chaudhary
Players to watch out:
Selina Solman
Selina Solman continues to be the backbone of the Vanuatu Women’s side with her consistent all-round performances. A dependable batter and a smart bowler, she plays a major role in both departments. She has scored 730 runs along with two half-centuries, with her best WT20I score being 56*. Selina has also picked up 56 wickets in 53 innings, with her best bowling figures of 5/9. Her leadership and ability to perform under pressure make her one of the biggest match-winners for Vanuatu Women.
Rachel Andrew
Rachel Andrew remains one of the most dangerous players in the Vanuatu Women’s setup. Known for her aggressive batting approach, she can change the momentum of the game quickly, especially during the powerplay overs. She has scored 1273 runs in 59 innings, including one century and four half-centuries, with a best score of 106*. She has also claimed 56 wickets, with her best bowling figures being 3/7. If Andrew gets going early, she can put Nepal’s bowlers under serious pressure.
Indu Barma
Nepal captain Indu Barma will be a key figure for her side in this crucial encounter. Her calm presence and ability to handle pressure situations make her one of Nepal’s most reliable performers. She has scored 1146 runs, and her best innings is 55*. She has also picked up 41 wickets, and her best bowling figures are 3/5. As captain, she plays a vital role in stabilising the innings and guiding the younger players. Her leadership and batting contribution will be essential if Nepal Women are to challenge Vanuatu in this important fixture.
Puja Mahato
Vice-captain Puja Mahato is another player to watch for Nepal Women. She brings balance to the side with her dependable all-around skills and match awareness. Puja has scored 693 runs with her best score being 62*. She has also picked up 33 wickets, with her best bowling performance. Whether it is contributing valuable runs in the middle order or stepping up with the ball when needed, Mahato remains a crucial part of Nepal’s plans. Her performance could play a decisive role in determining the outcome of this contest.
Pitch Report
The surface at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali is expected to assist bowlers, especially in the first half of the innings. Fast bowlers are likely to get movement with the new ball due to the wicket’s grassy nature, making the powerplay overs challenging for batters. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to settle, allowing batters to play their strokes more freely and build partnerships.
Weather Report:
The weather in Kigali is expected to be partly cloudy, with temperatures likely to remain around 22°C. Conditions are generally favourable for cricket, although there is a slight chance of rain interruptions. Humidity levels could help swing bowlers early in the innings, making the opening overs particularly important for both teams.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Selina Solman, Rachel Andrew, Indu Barma, Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri, Kabita Kunwar, Anna Griffin, Susan Stephen, Rubi Poddar, Vanessa Vira, Natalia Kakor
Match Details:
Date – April 30, 2026
Time – 4:30 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali
Broadcast – The match will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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