In the ongoing 10th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament, Malawi and Rwanda are slated to take on each other in match no. 8 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B) in Kigali on the 31st of May 2024, at 5:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Malawi – Vanessa Phiri (C), Sugeni Kananji, Sophina Chinawa, Tricia Chabila, Ketrina Chingaipe, Nellie Gamaliyele, Praise Maziya, Tadala Mpandakwaya, Mercy Kudimba (WK), Lucy Malino, Triphonia Luka, Allinafe Alfonso, Lidia Dimba
Rwanda – Marie Bimenyimana (C), Flora Irakoze (WK), Shakila Niyomuhoza, Alice Ikuzwe, Gisele Ishimwe, Merveille Uwase (WK), Geovanis Uwase, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Henriette Ishimwe, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Rosine Irera, Belise Murekatete
Players to watch out:
Lidia Dimba
The 25-year-old top-order batter debuted during the Africa regional qualifier late last year, scoring a blistering 74* off 49 balls. Though she departed for a duck in her very next outing, she managed a start of 11 in her subsequent game, her most recent outing. Lidia showed a lot of promise in her mature knock of 74*, and it is hoped that another good knock is around the corner.
Triphonia Luka
The 24-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has added 99 runs to the tally from 15 outings. From 12 bowling innings, averaging 10.94 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.47, she has scalped 18 wickets. Triphonia hasn’t found much success of late and will be backed to rediscover her form, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Henriette Ishimwe
The 20-year-old all-rounder in T20Is has amassed 801 runs from 72 innings while also taking 88 wickets from 76 outings, with bests of 49* and 5/6. In her previous campaign in April 2024, Henriette wasn’t required much with the bat, but with the ball, she picked up 12 wickets from 7 outings. Given her form, she can be counted on for all-round performances.
Immaculee Muhawenimana
The 25-year-old pacer, averaging 13.75 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.56, has bagged 49 wickets from 50 T20I innings and produced the best figures of 4/6. Immaculee last featured for the team during the African Games in March 2024, and her previous few bowling figures read 1/21, 1/12, 2/27, 0/11, and 0/20. She’ll be relied upon to lead the wickets tally.
Pitch:
The Gahanga International Cricket Stadium is a low-scoring venue that typically favors bowlers, especially spinners. The pitch has a somewhat neutral character, but the average score at this venue remains in the 90s, making it a challenging ground for batters.
Weather:
The conditions in Kigali are forecasted to be pleasant for the game, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain. The temperature is expected to be around 28°C, with light winds and a humidity level of 56%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Merveille Uwase, Lidia Dimba, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Marie Bimenyimana, Triphonia Luka, Belise Murekatete, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Alice Ikuzwe, Josiane Nyirankundineza
Match details:
Date – May 31, 2024
Time – 5:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (B), Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.