The 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament kicked off with a competitive opening day, featuring four matches packed with standout performances, close contests, and emerging talent. Rwanda secured an easy victory by 91 runs over Cameroon, followed by match number 2 where Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) XI secured a close contest victory by 6 runs over Nigeria. Third encounter followed a large margin victory for Tanzania by 105 runs against Sierra Leone and the fourth match saw Brazil secure a crucial 7-wicket victory against Malawi.
Match 1: Rwanda Women vs Cameroon Women
Rwanda kicked off their campaign in style with a resounding 91-run victory over Cameroon. Put into bat first, Rwanda’s innings was anchored by opener Sarah Uwera, who held firm with a composed 39 off 48, laying the foundation early on. However, the top-order wobbled after captain Merveille Uwase was dismissed for 10 and Clarisse Uwase departed without scoring.
Cameroon’s pace attack, led by skipper Michelle Ekani (2/30), showcased a disciplined bowling attack. But middle-order batter Shakila Niyomuhoza turned the tide, crafting a fluent 52* off 45 balls. Her half-century was instrumental in lifting Rwanda to a competitive total of 145/6 in 20 overs. Marie Bimenyimana also chipped in with a valuable 18 runs during the later overs.
In reply, Cameroon never found momentum. Their innings faltered from the outset, with opener and captain Michelle Ekani struggling to 10 off 38 balls. Else Kana and Madeleine Sissako were dismissed for ducks as Rwanda’s bowling unit maintained relentless pressure. Leading the bowling charge was Marie Bimenyimana, who showcased her all-round brilliance with a remarkable spell of 4 overs, conceding just 5 runs and taking 3 wickets.
She was ably supported by Henriette Ishimwe, Geovanis Uwase, and Alice Ikuzwe, who each contributed with timely breakthroughs. Despite a few late runs from Marguerite Bessala and the lower order, Cameroon were eventually bowled out for just 54 runs. For her match-winning all-round performance – 3 wickets for 5 runs and a crucial cameo with the bat – Marie Bimenyimana was rightfully named Player of the Match.
Match 2: Nigeria Women vs Zimbabwe HP XI Women
Zimbabwe HP XI held their nerve to secure a narrow 6-run victory over Nigeria. Batting first, Zimbabwe found themselves on the back foot early, struggling to accelerate runs against a disciplined Nigerian bowling unit. Opener Chiedza Dhururu managed a cautious 11 off 27 balls, but the innings truly gained traction through contributions from Christabel Chatonzwa 22 off 28 and Loreen Tshuma 29 off 32.
Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe’s scoring was restricted to a mere 104/8 due to a superb bowling performance led by Rachael Samson, who took 3/24 in just 3 overs. She was supported effectively by Lillian Udeh (2/10) and Muhibat Amusa (2/17). Lower-order cameos helped Zimbabwe scrape their way to a modest total of 104/8 in 20 overs.
Nigeria’s chase, however, got off to a disastrous start. Captain Favour Eseigbe fell cheaply for just 1, while Esther Sandy was dismissed for a duck, triggering a top-order collapse. Sarah Etim attempted to stabilize the innings with a brisk 19 off 16, but wickets continued to tumble. Zimbabwe’s bowling response was sharp and relentless, spearheaded by Passionate Munorwei, who delivered a match-defining spell of 3/20 in her 4 overs.
Nomvelo Sibanda also bowled with control and precision, returning impressive figures of 2/7. Though Nigeria’s lower order showed resistance with Adeshola Adekunle scoring 15 off 32 and Muhibat Amusa adding 17 off 20, they ultimately fell short, bowled out for 98. For her crucial wickets and game-changing impact, Passionate Munorwei was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Match 3: Tanzania Women vs Sierra Leone Women
Tanzania delivered a commanding performance to register a thumping 105-run victory over Sierra Leone. Opting to bat first, Tanzania built their innings steadily and finished with a formidable total. Saum Mtae laid the platform with a run-a-ball 16, but it was Neema Pius who stole the spotlight with a magnificent 77* off 62, anchoring the innings with elegance and composure. She found support from the experienced Fatuma Kibasu, who added a valuable 21 off 20, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Gertrude Mushi chipped in with a handy 19 off 21 to push Tanzania’s total to a competitive 152/4 in 20 overs.
Sierra Leone’s chase faltered right from the start, as their top-order collapsed under pressure. Emma Kamara managed just 1 run, while Fatu Conteh was dismissed for 6. The Tanzanian bowling unit was relentless, led by an extraordinary spell from Fatuma Kibasu, who bagged 4 wickets for just 6 runs in 2.5 overs, showcasing her all-round brilliance.
She was ably supported by Perice Kamunya, who returned tidy figures of 2/7. The rest of the Tanzanian bowlers chipped in to clean up the batting line up, as every Sierra Leone batter was dismissed for single-digit score, leading to a complete batting collapse. Sierra Leone were bundled out for just 47 runs, handing Tanzania a massive 105-run win. For her match-winning knock and contribution with the ball, Neema Pius was rightfully adjudged Player of the Match, 77* and 1/3.
Match 4: Brazil Women vs Malawi Women
In a closely contested battle, Brazil held their nerve to chase down Malawi’s target and register a well-earned 7-wicket win in their opening fixture. Put into bat first, Malawi struggled to find momentum early on. Openers Praise Maziya for just 7 off 9 and Euless Chiralile 4 off 23, fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle-order. However, a resilient stand from Sophina Chinawa 25 off 22 brought some stability, with support from Lidia Dimba, who contributed a composed 27 off 33.
As the innings wore on, Sugeni Kananji added valuable late runs with a determined 22 off 26, helping Malawi post a modest but competitive total of 101/6 in 20 overs. The Brazilian bowlers were clinical throughout, with Maria Ribeiro delivering a standout performance grabbing 3 wickets for just 19 runs in her 4 overs. She was well-assisted by Lara Moises, who returned tidy figures of 2/11.
In response, Brazil’s chase got off to a rocky start with Lindsay Boas dismissed for a duck, raising early hopes for Malawi. Brazil found composure through their captain Laura Agatha, who anchored the innings with a fluent 31 off 23. She was well supported by Roberta Avery, who played a mature knock of 35* off 46, ensuring Brazil stayed on course despite tight spells from the Malawian bowlers. Though Sugeni Kananji claimed a wicket and conceded just 14 runs in her spell, Brazil’s batters managed the chase smartly.
Ana Sabino added a crucial 12* off 16, guiding Brazil across the finish line in 16.5 overs with 3 wickets down, completing a confident win. For her game-changing spell with the ball, Maria Ribeiro was deservedly named Player of the Match, having set the tone early with her 3-wicket haul.
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