The last time these two sides met in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament opener, Nigeria completely dominated the contest, bowling Malawi out for a meager 46 to secure a convincing 52-run victory. Since then, Malawi have continued to struggle to find their footing, remaining anchored to the bottom of the table without a win. Nigeria, despite a heartbreaking 2-run loss to Rwanda in their last outing, remain a highly dangerous and motivated side eager to wash away that disappointment and get back to winning ways.
Squads:
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
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
Players to watch out:
Lidia Dimba
Lidia Dimba has been a valuable dual-threat asset for Malawi Women, pitching in effectively across both departments. With the bat, she has chipped in with 49 runs in 3 innings at an average of 24.50, remaining unbeaten once and playing with a measured strike rate of 94.23. When thrown the ball, she has proved equally handy, picking up 4 wickets across 9 overs at a tidy economy rate of 5.22. Her versatility is highlighted by a best bowling effort of 2 for 10, showing she can stop runs and take wickets simultaneously.
Salome Sunday
Salome Sunday has been a pillar of resilience in the middle order for Nigeria Women during this competition. In her 4 innings, she has accumulated 82 runs at an average of 27.33, anchoring the batting unit with a highest score of 34 not out. She has focused on building partnerships and steadying the ship, utilizing her 98-ball stay at the crease to hit 9 boundaries and a six. Operating at a strike rate of 83.67, her role has been centered around stability and playing through tough situations.
Sugeni Kananji
Aside from her run-scoring feats, Sugeni Kananji has also played a crucial supporting role with the ball for Malawi Women. She has sent down 11 overs across her 3 appearances, picking up 3 wickets with a best bowling return of 1 for 16. While she has been a bit expensive with an economy rate of 5.36, her ability to break partnerships adds massive depth to her team’s bowling variations. She remains a vital tactical option when the team needs to mix things up in the middle overs.
Favour Eseigbe
Favour Eseigbe has been a standout performer with the ball for Nigeria Women, causing endless trouble for opposition batters. In her 4 matches, she has scalped 8 wickets, making her one of the most lethal bowlers in the entire tournament. She has maintained a superb average of 8.50 and a phenomenal strike rate of 9.37, meaning she strikes nearly every single over she bowls. Backed by an efficient economy rate of 5.44 and a best spell of 3 for 17, she has consistently given her team the upper hand.
Pitch:
The main track at Gahanga is generally known to be well-maintained and provides a balanced contest, though it typically leans towards the slower side as is characteristic of regional surfaces. With the Kwibuka tournament underway, expect a surface that offers decent initial carry for the seamers before settling down to give spinners some solid purchase as the match progresses.
Weather:
Expect partly sunny skies during the day shifting to mostly cloudy conditions at night. Temperatures will reach a precise high of 27°C and drop to a low of 16°C. Winds will be blowing at 6 mph from the south, with a consistent 10% chance of precipitation throughout both day and night.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Christina Bwanali, Sungeni Kananji, Lucy Malino, Praise Maziya, Lidia Dimba, Christabel Chukwuonye, Esther Sandy, Favour Eseigbe, Salome Sunday, Sarah Etim, Shola Adenkunle
Match Details:
Date – June 14, 2026
Time – 5:00 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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