Brazil Women have enjoyed a promising campaign so far in the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2026 and will be eager to continue their upward momentum when they take on Malawi Women in Match 17 at Kigali City.
Brazil have showcased a balanced combination of disciplined bowling and steady batting performances throughout the tournament, with captain Carolina Nascimento leading from the front. Their ability to build partnerships and defend competitive totals has made them one of the more consistent sides in the competition.
Malawi, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back strongly and improve their standing in the points table. Despite showing flashes of brilliance with both bat and ball, they have struggled to maintain consistency across all departments, making this encounter a crucial opportunity to regain confidence and secure valuable points.
Squads:
Brazil Women’s Cricket Team
Carolina Nascimento (C), Laura Cardoso, Monnike Rufino, Roberta Moretti, Laura Agatha, Lindsay Vilas Boas, Maria Luiza Garcia, Evelyn Müller, Marianne Artur, Ana Clara Sabino, Giulia Ribeiro, Nicole Monteiro, Maria Eduarda Mc G. Ribeiro, Lara Bittencourt
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:
Carolina Nascimento
Brazil skipper Carolina Nascimento remains one of the most influential cricketers in the squad. She has scored 131 runs in 22 T20I innings with the highest score of 30 and has picked up 42 wickets in 37 innings. Her best bowling figures are 5/12. Her leadership has played a vital role in Brazil’s progress during the tournament, while her all-round abilities provide stability in both innings.
Euless Chiralile
Malawi captain Euless Chiralile will have a major responsibility on her shoulders heading into this contest. As one of the squad’s most promising, she brings valuable experience and composure to the side. She has scored 115 runs with 20* as her best batting performance in the T20Is. Whether contributing with the bat or guiding her bowlers through crucial phases of the game, Chiralile’s performance could significantly influence Malawi’s chances of upsetting the favourites.
Laura Cardoso
Laura Cardoso has emerged as a dependable performer for Brazil in recent outings. She has scored 713 runs in 48 T20I innings along with 3 half-centuries. Laura has picked up 59 wickets in 51 innings with 9/4 as her best bowling performance. Her ability to rotate strike, build partnerships, and keep the scoreboard moving provides the middle order with much-needed stability. Cardoso’s contributions often allow the power hitters around her to play with freedom, making her a crucial component of Brazil’s batting setup.
Christina Bwanali
Christina Bwanali has shown encouraging signs with both bat and ball for Malawi. Her versatility gives the team additional balance, and she has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to deliver breakthroughs when needed. She has picked up 8 wickets for her team in T20Is. If Malawi are to challenge Brazil’s strong lineup, Bwanali’s all-round contributions could be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the contest.
Pitch:
The surface at Kigali has generally provided an even contest between bat and ball. Batters who spend time at the crease have been rewarded for their patience, while bowlers have found assistance through disciplined line and length. Spinners are expected to come into play as the match progresses.
Weather:
The weather in Kigali is expected to remain pleasant for cricket, with temperatures hovering around 23°C during the afternoon. Cloud cover is likely to be present for most of the day, although significant interruptions are not anticipated.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Carolina Nascimento, Laura Cardoso, Monnike Rufino, Roberta Moretti, Maria Luiza Garcia, Euless Chiralile, Christina Bwanali, Princess Chidatha, Sungeni Kananji, Bridget Kasinja, Lucy Malino
Match Details:
Date – June 17, 2026
Time – 1:15 PM IST
Venue – Kigali City Cricket Ground, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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