Rwanda, who finished the group stage with a perfect record, is the team to beat going into this semifinal. Particularly with their bowling unit constantly strangling the opposition, they have appeared to be really clinical. However, the Zimbabwe U-19 team’s journey to this point has been quite turbulent. Even though they only won once during the league round, that enormous 180-run triumph over Ghana demonstrated just what they are capable of when their hitters find their rhythm. They are the young underdogs, but if they don’t exercise caution, their daring style of cricket might frighten even an experienced team like Rwanda.
When these two faced off earlier in the competition, Marie Diane Bimenyimana and Henriette Ishimwe controlled terms, and Rwanda easily won by 60 runs. The core group of seasoned players who can handle the pressure of a knockout game is Rwanda’s strength. For Zimbabwe U-19, Beloved Biza will be the main focus. If she can get off to another flyer at the top of the order, it will put Rwanda’s bowlers under pressure they haven’t really encountered this week. Her incredible century against Ghana was the tournament‘s best individual effort to date.
Rwanda benefits greatly from the Tafawa Balewa Square pitch’s ability to reward disciplined spin. But the X-factor might be Zimbabwe’s youth and enthusiasm in the field. They must maintain a high level of enthusiasm and compel Rwanda to make unusual errors. It might be too much for the young players if Rwanda bats first and scores somewhere around 140. However, momentum is crucial in a one-off semi-final, and Zimbabwe will be hoping that their confidence from their last group match translates into this crucial match.
Squads:
Rwanda Women
Alice Ikuzwe, Belise Murekatete, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Flora Irakoze, Geovanis Uwase, Rosette Shimwamana, Rosine Irera, Sylivie Usabyimana, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette T. Ishimwe, Marie Diane Bimenyimana (C), Merveille Uwase, Shakila Niyomuhoza
Zimbabwe U-19 Women
Beloved Biza, Bethel Makanaka Zinyama, Buhlebenkosi Maposa, Christina Mutasa, Lorraine Pembiwa, Munenyasha Mandidzora, Naomi Mhlekwa, Nicolette Nyika, Nokutenda Makanhiwa, Ruvarashe Mpofu, Salem Museka, Sharmaine Manyukwi, Tadiwa Garutsa, Tawananyasha Zvomarima
Players to watch out for:
Fanny Utagushimaninde
With 156 runs, Fanny is now ranked second on the run-scoring standings, demonstrating her exceptional performance for Rwanda. A stunning undefeated 111* versus Ghana was her tournament high point, and it helped her reach an outstanding average of 52.00. She has already reached the boundary 23 times while striking the ball at 121.87, making her an essential anchor for the Rwandan batting lineup
Beloved Biza
With 170 runs in just four innings, Zimbabwe Under-19’s Beloved Biza is leading the tournament in runs. She maintained a healthy strike rate of 134.92, the second-highest among the best batters, and scored an incredible century (102*). With 23 boundaries and a six to her credit, she has continuously given her team the aggressive starts they require
Marie Bimenyimana
Marie Bimenyimana of Rwanda has been a force with the ball, taking eight wickets at an astounding 6.50 average. She had maintained an economy of just 3.80 during almost 14 overs of work, demonstrating extraordinary control. With a brilliant spell of 4/17, she also has one of the top individual bowling performances of the competition thus far
Salem Museka
With six wickets in her four appearances, Salem has been a reliable threat to the Zimbabwe Under-19 team. With an impressive 4/8, she presently has the best individual bowling stats in the competition. Despite having an economy rate of 5.43, her captain has benefited greatly from her ability to break partnerships in the middle overs
Pitch Report:
The TBS Cricket Oval in Lagos features a modern ten-strip turf wicket that has replaced the old concrete surface, offering a more professional and consistent bounce. Early on, the pitch provides decent carry for seamers, but as the match progresses, it typically dries out to favor spinners who can exploit the natural wear and grip
Weather Report:
Tomorrow in Lagos, expect scattered thunderstorms during the day with a high of 32°C, followed by a partly cloudy night and a low of 26°C. There is a 35% chance of rain throughout the day and night
Fantasy XI Picks:
Alice Ikuzwe, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Rosine Irera, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette T. Ishimwe, Marie Diane Bimenyimana, Beloved Biza, Nicolette Nyika, Salem Museka, Tadiwa Garutsa, Tawananyasha Zvomarima
Match Details :
Date: 27th March, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Venue: Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, Nigeria
Broadcast: The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website
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