Match no. 9 of the ongoing 2024 Kwibuka Twenty20 (T20) Tournament will be contested between Rwanda and Botswana. The game will be held at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (A), Kigali, on the 1st of June 2024, at 12:45 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
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
Botswana – Tuelo Shadrack (C), Pako Mapotsane (VC), Wendy Moutswi, Merapelo Phiase, Onneile Keitsemang, Oratile Kgeresi, Entle Mmese, Goabilwe Matome, Amantle Letuba, Shameelah Mosweu, Kesego Inakale, Laura Mophakedi, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Aliya Motorwala
Players to watch out:
Marie Bimenyimana
The 27-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 64 outings, has amassed 820 runs and, from 39 bowling innings, has picked up as many wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 3.93. Marie was in good form in the lead-up to the competition but had a disastrous start, being run out for 1 (2) and leaking 10 runs off her only over in the opener. She’ll be backed to step up her efforts.
Josiane Nyirankundineza
The 24-year-old pacer, averaging 15.17 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.55, has scalped 45 wickets, including the best of 3/0, from 51 T20I innings. Josiane, in her recent campaign in April, struck 5 wickets from six T20Is and, continuing the momentum, returned figures of 1/10 (2) in the 2024 Kwibuka opener. It will be expected of her to capitalize on her form, leading the wickets tally.
Pako Mapotsane
The 19-year-old all-rounder, from 15 T20Is, has accumulated 199 runs and taken 8 wickets from as many bowling innings, registering bests of 43* and 2/12. Pako, in her recent outings in April, registered scores of 36*, 4, 43*, and with the ball, her figures read 2/12 and 1/20. Though she departed for 11 runs in the Kwibuka opener, she can be counted on to build on the start.
Onneile Keitsemang
The 22-year-old pacer, from 22 T20I innings, has claimed 16 wickets at an economy rate of 6.41 and registered a best of 4/21. Fresh off a recent T20I campaign in April, where she picked up 8 wickets from 5 outings, Onneile, in the ’24 Kwibuka opener, didn’t have the best of games, conceding 19 runs off her couple of overs. It is hoped she finds her rhythm in this game.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium offer greater assistance to bowlers compared to batters. The average score at the venue is only a modest score in the 110s, and batters will need to display discipline and skill to post a competitive total on this pitch.
Weather:
It’ll be a bright, sunny day in Kigali with the temperature expected to hover around 26°C with light winds and humidity of 57%. A minimal chance of rain promises us a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Merveille Uwase, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Shameelah Mosweu, Gisele Ishimwe, Tuelo Shadrack, Belise Murekatete, Goabilwe Matome, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Alice Ikuzwe, Josiane Nyirankundineza
Match details:
Date – June 1, 2024
Time – 12:45 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium (A), Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.