The Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 continues to serve as a powerful symbol in the landscape of women’s cricket. Rwanda have started the tournament with a streak of wins, recently winning by 49 runs against Malawi and Cameroon winning their first by 23 runs against Sierra Leone. Uganda registered their win by 4 runs against Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) XI and Nigeria winning a low scoring contest by 2 wickets against Tanzania. As the tournament progresses, we’ve already seen thrilling battles, standout performances, and rising stars making their mark.
Match 9: Uganda Women vs Zimbabwe HP XI Women
Uganda held their nerve in a tense contest to edge past Zimbabwe by just 4 runs. Batting first, Uganda posted a modest 105/5 on the board. Captain Janet Mbabazi led from the front with a composed 26 off 27, anchoring the innings before a collapse saw Esther Iloku (1), Immaculate Nakisuuyi (7), and Rita Musamali (3) fall in quick succession.
However, the lower order revived the innings, with Stephanie Nampiina 22* off 29 and Prosscovia Alako 18 off 24 guiding Uganda to a competitive total. Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept things tight with Christabel Chatonzwa starring with 2/8, while Passionate Munorwei and Lindokuhle Mabhero chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, Zimbabwe started cautiously, with Chatonzwa 27 off 20 and Loreen Tshuma 23 off 40 attempting to stabilize the chase. But Uganda’s bowlers turned the tide, led by the ever-reliable Concy Aweko who claimed 2/12. Mbabazi showcased her all-round prowess with 1/10, dismantling the lower order alongside support from Kevin Amuge and Sarah Walaza. Zimbabwe was bowled out for 101, narrowly short of the target by 4 runs.
Match 10: Cameroon Women vs Sierra Leone Women
Cameroon delivered a well-rounded performance to register a 23-run win over Sierra Leone. Electing to bat first, Cameroon’s top-order laid a stable platform with Madeleine Sissako scoring 14 off 29 and Bernadette Mbida top-scoring with a fluent 33 off 37. Additional contributions from Brenda Waluma 11 off 15 and Jeanne Ngono 15* off 17 helped Cameroon reach 107. Sierra Leone’s bowlers were led by Linda Bull, who broke crucial partnerships with figures of 3/21, and Aisha Bangura who added 2/16 to her name.
Chasing 108, Sierra Leone faltered early as both openers fell cheaply, Emma Kamara for 5 and skipper Aminata Kamara dismissed for a duck. Though Celina Bull fought valiantly with a spirited 35 off 32, the Cameroon bowlers kept the pressure on. Maeva Douma was exceptional, grabbing 3/8, while Michelle Ekani supported with 2/28. The lower order couldn’t offer resistance, folding for 84 in 18.2 overs.
Match 11: Rwanda Women vs Malawi Women
Rwanda continued their strong showing in the tournament with a 49-run win over Malawi. Batting first, their top order was tested as Sarah Uwera 17 off 37, Merveille Uwase 12 off 23, and Clarisse Uwase 13 off 20 struggled for momentum. However, the innings was revived by the in-form Henriette Ishimwe, who struck a fluent 35 off 28 to lift Rwanda to 109/4. Malawi’s bowling was steady, with Esther Richard taking 1/15 and other bowlers contributing with tight spells and shared wickets.
In reply, Malawi’s innings never got going. Both players, Sophina Chinawa and captain Euless Chiralile, departed for ducks. Though opener Triphonia Luka 14 off 26 and lower order, Sugeni Kananji 17* off 25 tried to stabilize the innings after a middle-order collapse. Rwanda’s bowlers dominated proceedings, led by Alice Ikuzwe who was lethal, claiming 4/9, while Marie Bimenyimana (3/12) and Ishimwe (2/19) ensured a swift finish. Malawi was bowled out for 60 in 17.4 overs.
Match 12: Tanzania Women vs Nigeria Women
In a nail-biting finish, Nigeria clinched a 2-wicket win over Tanzania. Batting first, Tanzania managed 82/9 in their 20 overs. The top-order struggled as Saum Mtae was dismissed for just 1. A brief resistance came from Neema Pius, who scored a run-a-ball 21, and Getrude Mushi, who chipped in with 14. Nigeria’s bowlers were clinical, led by Usen Peace (2/9), Muhibat Amusa (2/17), and Anointed Akhigbe (2/17), who collectively dismantled the Tanzanian lineup restricting Tanzania to 82.
In the chase, Nigeria started confidently with captain Favour Eseigbe anchoring the innings with 37 off 49. Though the middle-order collapsed, Lillian Udeh added a crucial 15 off 23. Tanzania’s bowlers, especially Sophia Jerome (3/11) and Nasra Saidi (2/14), made the chase nervy towards the end, but Nigeria held on to secure the win at 83/8.
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