The road to the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 begins with a clean slate for both Nigeria Women and Malawi Women as they face off in their tournament opener. This year’s tournament is wide open because the previous champions, Tanzania and Uganda, are not participating. This leaves a golden opportunity for Nigeria and Malawi to fight for a crown that neither team has won before.
Squads:
Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
Christabel Chukwuonye, Deborah Bassey, Esther Sandy, Favour Effiong, Favour Eseigbe (C), Henrietta Mbam, Jessica Bieni, Lilian Ude, Omosigho Eguakun, Oseyende Omonkhobhia, Rachael Samson, Salome Sunday, Sarah Etim, Shola Adenkunle
Malawi Women’s Cricket Team
Euless Chiralile (C), Christina Bwanali, Princess Chidatha, Sophina Chinawa, Sphiwe Frank, Sungeni Kananji, Bridget Kasinja, Alinafe Kawirawira, Angela Lumbe, Lucy Malino, Praise Maziya, Lidia Dimba, Vanessa Phiri, Lucy Wesley
Players to watch out:
Favour Eseigbe
As the long-standing captain, she is the tactical brain and the most vital player in the squad. She has added 502 runs and struck 45 wickets from 67 T20Is, proving herself as a highly dependable all-rounder. Her accurate right-arm leg-spin is fantastic for drying up runs and forcing mistakes from opposing batters, while her steady batting in the top-middle order anchors the innings.
Salome Sunday
She is the ultimate powerhouse of the Nigerian batting lineup. She holds the proud record of being Nigeria’s all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20 international history, with 1239 career runs. She is a highly experienced right-handed batter who knows exactly how to build big innings. She has a brilliant record against Malawi, previously destroying their bowling attack with a dominant, unbeaten 48 runs.
Euless Chiralile
Leading from the front, Chiralile provides the stability and international experience that a rising team like Malawi relies on during major continental tournaments. She plays a critical role as a top-order wicket-keeper batter, adding 84 runs in 14 outings. Her primary job is to absorb early pressure against tough bowling attacks like Nigeria’s and build partnerships, ensuring her team plays out their full 20 overs.
Lidia Dimba
She is arguably Malawi’s most dangerous weapon with both bat and ball. Dimba has a knack for changing the momentum of a game single-handedly and is a proven match-winner on her day. As a premier all-rounder, she has 310 runs and 16 wickets and is heavily relied upon to pick up crucial breakthroughs with her medium-pace bowling.
Pitch:
The B Ground is a paradise for bowlers. Fast bowlers and medium pacers absolutely dominate here because the pitch gives them plenty of bounce and movement.
Weather:
There will be light rain during the day, and it will be partly cloudy at night, with a high temperature of 27°C and a low of 17°C.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Salome Sunday, Esther Sandy, Favour Eseigbe, Lidia Dimba, Euless Chiralile, Lilian Ude, Rachael Samson, Shola Adenkunle, Lucy Malino, Sophina Chinawa, Angela Lumbe
Match Details:
Date – June 10, 2026
Time – 1:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga B Ground, Rwanda
Broadcast – FanCode app and website
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