Rwanda Cricket has announced a 14-player squad, with Diana Bimenyimana as the captain, for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Kenya, set to commence on September 10. Kenya will host the series, with all five matches scheduled to be played at the Sikh Union Sports Club Ground.
Rwanda received full Women’s Twenty20 International (WT20I) status in 2018, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. In January 2019, they played their first-ever WT20I against Nigeria, later participating in the 2019 ICC Women’s Qualifier Africa. Since gaining this status, the Rwanda women’s team has played 88 T20I matches, winning 49 of them, reflecting steady progress in international cricket.
The current squad boasts a wealth of experience, featuring seasoned players with a track record of consistent performances. Diana Bimenyimana, the skipper, has been a key contributor in both departments. She is the second-highest run-scorer for Rwanda, accumulating over 970 runs, with a career-best unbeaten 114 against Mali in 2019. Additionally, she has taken 47 wickets in 45 bowling innings, highlighting her all-around capabilities.
Henriette Ishimwe, another vital all-rounder for Rwanda, brings the most experience to the squad, having played 88 T20I matches. She has scored over 860 runs and claimed over 100 wickets, cementing her role as a crucial asset to the team. Giselle Ishimwe, the leading run-scorer for Rwanda, will play an essential role in the batting department. With more than 1,300 runs in 80 matches, including an unbeaten 114 against Mali in 2019, she remains a key player to watch throughout the series.
The Rwanda squad for the Kenya-Rwanda T20I bilateral series is as follows:
Giselle Ishimwe, Diana Bimenyimana, Henriette Ishimwe, Belise Murekatete, Clarisse Uwase, Alice Ikuzwe, Rosine Irera, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwana, Chanceline Umutonni, Geovanise Uswase, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Georgette Ingabire