The Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 heats up as Rwanda face Brazil in Match 28 at Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali, on June 10, 2025. Both teams have impressed with their spirited performances, and this fixture promises to be a highlight as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Rwanda, playing on home soil, have shown strong form throughout the competition, building on their recent successes in the tournament. Led by captain Marie Bimenyimana and supported by key players like Henriette Ishimwe and Sylvia Usabyimana, Rwanda’s blend of disciplined bowling and aggressive batting has made them a tough side to beat. Their familiarity with the conditions could prove crucial in this high-stakes encounter.
Brazil have been one of the tournament’s standout teams, registering notable wins against Nigeria and Malawi earlier in the group stage. With captain Carolina Nascimento and all-rounders like Laura Cardoso and Roberta Moretti Avery, Brazil have demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen. Their ability to adapt quickly and seize key moments has kept them in contention for a semi-final spot.
Squads:
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Georgette Ingabire, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Sylvia Usabyimana, Geovanis Uwase, Merveille Uwase, Sarah Uwera
Brazil Women’s Cricket Team
Ana Clara Sabino, Camille Vitoria, Evelyn Muller, Laura De Silva, Maria Silva, Carolina Nascimento, Laura Cardoso, Roberta Avery, Lindsay Boas, Mayara dos Santos, Giulia Ribeiro, Lara Moises, Maria Ribeiro, Marianne Artur, Nicole Monteiro
Players to watch out:
Marie Bimenyimana
Marie Bimenyimana has scored 1182 runs at an average of 16.41 in 83 T20I innings, including a record 114 not out—Rwanda’s first women’s T20I century. She also bowls, having taken 71 wickets at an average of 11.11 in just 59 innings. Recently, in the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, Bimenyimana delivered a standout performance with bowling figures of 3/5 in 4 overs, underlining her impact as a match-winner with both bat and ball. In the tournament so far, she has scored 55 runs picking 7 wickets with the ball as well.
Henriette Ishimwe
The 21-year-old all-rounder for Rwanda in 102 T20Is has scored 11132 runs in 92 innings at an average of 16.89 and a strike rate of 96.91, with the highest score of 67*. With the ball, Ishimwe has been outstanding, taking 124 wickets in 97 innings at an average of 10.19, an economy rate of 4.23, and best figures of 5/6, including six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. In the tournament so far, she has scored 120 runs and bagged 12 wickets with the ball.
Lara Moises
The 22-year-old has played 32 T20Is, scoring 43 runs in 13 innings. Her primary impact comes with the ball: she has taken 28 wickets in T20Is at an impressive average of 14.96 and an economy rate of 4.54, with best figures of 3/6. In the tournament so far, she has picked 3 wickets in 4 innings and scored 18 runs with the bat making her a crucial part of the side going ahead in the tournament.
Laura Cardoso
The 20-year-old has played 37 T20Is, scoring 324 runs at an average of 12.46 with a top score of 45, and has collected 15 catches in the field. With the ball, Cardoso has taken 35 wickets at an average of 12.46 and an economy rate of 4.57, with best figures of 4/13. She made history as the first Brazilian cricketer, male or female, to take a T20I hat-trick and is widely regarded as Brazil’s premier all-rounder. She has scored 66 runs and picked a wicket in the tournament so far.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2 in Kigali is balanced, offering good bounce for batters and assistance for pace bowlers. Spin can come into play later in the match. The outfield is fast, and teams chasing totals have a slight advantage.
Weather:
Expect comfortable weather with daytime highs around 24–26°C and lows near 13–14°C. There’s a small chance of light rain, but most of the day should be dry with some sunshine and gentle winds.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Sarah Uwera, Laura De Silva, Carolina Nascimento, Laura Cardoso, Roberta Avery, Lindsay Boas
Match details:
Date – June 10, 2025
Time – 5:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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