Match 16: Rwanda Women vs Nigeria Women | Squads | Players to Watch | Fantasy Playing XI | Live Streaming

Match 16 of the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament will see Nigeria take on hosts Rwanda at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2 in Kigali on June 6. With both teams eyeing a strong finish in the group stage, this encounter promises to be a closely fought contest.

Rwanda, led by Marie Bimenyimana, have impressed with their disciplined bowling and emerging batting talent. Key players like Shakila Niyomuhoza, who recently struck an unbeaten 52*, and Bimenyimana herself, who has contributed with both bat and ball, form the backbone of the side. Rwanda’s home advantage and recent form make them formidable opponents, especially on familiar surfaces.

Nigeria, captained by Favour Eseigbe, have shown resilience throughout the tournament. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Rachael Samson—who has been among the top wicket-takers—can trouble any batting lineup. All-rounders like Muhibat K Amusa add depth and flexibility, giving Nigeria the ability to adapt to different match situations.

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

Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team

Esther Sandy, Favour Eseigbe, Salome Sunday, Adeshola Adekunle, Anointed Akhigbe, Christabel Chukwuonye, Lilian Ude, Abigail Igbobie, Omosigho Eguakun, Sarah Etim, Muhibat K Amusa, Peace Usen, Rachael Samson, Rukayat Abdulrasak

Players to watch out:

Henriette Ishimwe

The 21-year-old all-rounder in 101 T20Is has scored 1093 runs in 90 innings at an average of 16.56 and a strike rate of 97.06, with the highest score of 67*. With the ball, she has been outstanding, picking 119 wickets in 95 innings at an average of 10.37, an economy rate of 4.24, and best figures of 5/6, including six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. She has been in good form this campaign, returning 2/23 (4) against Sierra Leone and also scoring 67 of 51 deliveries.

Also Read: 6 Teams to Participate in the Inaugural Edition of Bengal Women’s T20 Blast

Sylvia Usabyimana

Sylvia Usabyimana is known for her economical spells, and in the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, she is ranked among the top bowlers for best economy rates, conceding just 2.50 runs per over in her opening match. In her most recent outing against Sierra Leone, Usabyimana delivered an impressive spell, taking 3 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs, helping Rwanda secure a 55-run victory. Her primary value remains her consistent wicket-taking and ability to contain runs.

Lilian Ude

The 18-year-old in 31 T20I bowling outings has scalped 42 wickets, at an average of 11.50 and a strike rate of 15.0, maintaining an economy rate of 4.59. Notably, she has picked up 13 wickets in her last 7 T20I innings and has also chipped in with valuable runs. In a recent outing against Tanzania, Ude scored 15 runs, vital in a low scoring affair, and then went on to bag a wicket as well.

Pitch:

The pitch at Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2 in Kigali is balanced, offering good bounce for batters and assistance for pace bowlers. Spin can come into play later in the match. The outfield is fast, and teams chasing totals have a slight advantage.

Weather:

Expect comfortable weather with temperatures around 26°C and only a slight chance of a brief shower or isolated thunderstorm. Overall, it should be mostly dry with some sun and light winds, making for pleasant cricket conditions.

Fantasy Playing XI:

Favour Eseigbe, Salome Sunday, Adeshola Adekunle, Christabel Chukwuonye, Lilian Ude, Sarah Etim, Muhibat K Amusa, Rachael Samson, Marie Bimenyimana, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Sarah Uwera