Match 11 of the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament will see Rwanda face Malawi at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali on June 5, 2025, with the match set to begin at 1:30 IST.
Both teams are looking to strengthen their positions in the group stage. Rwanda, playing at home, are expected to have the edge with strong local support and familiarity with the conditions. Malawi, meanwhile, will be eager to make a mark and build on their performances from earlier in the tournament.
Rwanda won their opening game, against Cameroon, comfortably by 91 runs, whereas Malawi were defeated by Brazil by 7 wickets. The match is likely to be competitive, with both sides aiming for a crucial win to boost their chances of advancing in the tournament.
Squads:
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Georgette Ingabire, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Sylvia Usabyimana, Geovanis Uwase, Merveille Uwase, Sarah Uwera
Malawi Women’s Cricket Team
Alinafe Alfonso, Euless Chilarile, Febbe Malefula, Sophina Chinawa, Triphonia Luka, Esther Richard, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Tadala Mpandakwaya, Praise Maziya, Christina Bwanali, Eva Kabwere, Ketrina Chingaipe, Lucy Malino
Players to watch out:
Shakila Niyomuhoza
Shakila Niyomuhoza has played 17 T20Is, scoring 205 runs in 12 innings, with the highest score of 52* and an average around 24.71. Her strike rate is 82.77, and she has shown the ability to anchor innings for her team. In her most recent match during the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament, Niyomuhoza scored an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls against Cameroon Women on June 3, 2025, helping Rwanda post a strong total and secure a 91-run victory.
Marie Bimenyimana
Marie Bimenyimana debuted in T20Is in 2019 and has scored 1174 runs at an average of 16.51 in 81 innings, including a record 114 not out—Rwanda’s first women’s T20I century. With the ball, she has taken 68 wickets at an average of 11.16 in just 57 innings. Recently, in the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament, Bimenyimana delivered a standout performance with bowling figures of 3/5 in 4 overs, underlining her impact as a match-winner with both bat and ball.
Sophina Chinawa
Sophina Chinawa in 12 T20Is has scored 166 runs at an average of 15.09 and a strike rate of 75.35, with the highest score of 33. In her most recent match during the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament, Chinawa scored a solid 25 off 22 balls against Brazil Women on June 3, 2025, showing her ability to contribute valuable runs at the top of the order.
Lidia Dimba
Lidia Dimba in 11 T20Is has scored 169 runs at an average of 21.12, with the highest score of 74* and a strike rate of 80.09. With the ball, she has taken 6 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 22.00 and an economy rate of 5.31, with best figures of 3/17. Against Cameroon last year, Dimba scored an unbeaten 27 and took 3/17, and also contributed with the ball in other games, including 1/16 and 1/27, underlining her value as a genuine all-rounder for Malawi.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali is well-prepared and balanced, aiding both batters and bowlers. It tends to favor bowlers slightly, especially pacers, and chasing teams often have an advantage. The surface is not known for being high scoring, so smart cricket and adaptability are key for success.
Weather:
The weather is expected to be warm and mostly pleasant, with temperatures around 25–26°C. There is a slight chance of a brief, light shower, but overall, conditions are good for cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Marie Bimenyimana, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Merveille Uwase, Sarah Uwera, Geovanis Uwase, Alice Ikuzwe, Sophina Chinawa, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Praise Maziya, Henriette Ishimwe
Match details:
Date – June 5, 2025
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
Loves all things female cricket