Nigeria Women have quietly built momentum throughout the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 and now find themselves in a crucial encounter against the Zimbabwe Women High Performance XI in Match 16 at Kigali City on June 17. Nigeria Women have enjoyed a solid campaign so far, winning three of their six matches and collecting six points. Zimbabwe Women High Performance XI, meanwhile, have been one of the more impressive teams in the tournament. With four wins from six matches and eight points to their name, they currently sit above Nigeria in the points table and have demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the competition.
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
Zimbabwe High-Performance XI Women’s Cricket Team
Adel Zimunu, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Passionate Munorwei, Runyararo Pasipanodya, Kelly Ndiraya, Betty Mangachena, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Olinder Chare, Michelle Mavunga, Kudzai Chigora, Salem Museka, Nyasha Gwanzura, Lindrose Masina
Players to watch out:
Favour Eseigbe
Nigeria captain Favour Eseigbe remains one of the most influential figures in the side and will once again be central to their hopes. Her leadership has played a major role in keeping the team competitive throughout the tournament. She has scored 513 runs in 58 T20I innings with the highest score of 47 and has picked up 54 wickets in 48 bowling innings in international cricket.
Kelly Ndiraya
Kelly Ndiraya has emerged as one of the promising performers for the Zimbabwe Women High Performance XI during the competition. She is fresh in her career with 19 runs in three T20I innings, with her highest score being 11. In this competition, while she hasn’t managed many runs, she hit a fine 34 against Brazil.
Sarah Etim
Sarah Etim has consistently impressed with her ability to deliver breakthroughs at critical stages of matches. She has scored 204 runs in 33 T20I innings and delivered at clutch moments for Nigeria.
Betty Mangachena
Betty Mangachena has been a reliable performer for Zimbabwe Women High Performance XI and offers value with the bat. Her recent scores of 12 and 20* against Rwanda and Brazil showcase her ability to score runs. If she can build on the starts she has managed, Zimbabwe will significantly enhance their chances of securing victory.
Pitch:
The pitch at Kigali has generally offered balanced conditions. Batters who spend time at the crease have found opportunities to score freely, particularly during the middle overs, while bowlers who maintain disciplined lines and lengths have enjoyed success. Spinners become increasingly influential as the match progresses.
Weather:
Conditions are expected to remain mostly pleasant with moderate temperatures and only a slight chance of rain interruptions. The cloud cover could provide some assistance to pace bowlers during the opening overs, while comfortable playing conditions should ensure a complete contest.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Favour Eseigbe, Sarah Etim, Deborah Bassey, Esther Sandy, Christabel Chukwuonye, Kelly Ndiraya, Betty Mangachena, Lorraine Pemhiwa, Michelle Mavunga, Nyasha Gwanzura, Lindokuhle Mabhera
Match Details:
Date – June 17, 2026
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali
Live Streaming – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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