The Rwanda Women’s National Cricket Team has announced a 14-woman squad to represent the country in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier scheduled in Namibia from August 31 to September 6, 2025.
This squad is a largely consistent mix of talent that previously helped Rwanda win the Division Two Africa Qualifier, securing their place in the final round. The team’s head coach, Leonard Nhamburo, has made only a couple of changes from the Division Two squad, adding Flora Irakoze as wicketkeeper and Immaculee Muhawenimana as an experienced additional pace bowler to strengthen the team’s balance and workload management.
Key members of the squad include standouts like Gisele Ishimwe, Rwanda’s all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals with 1,558 runs. Gisele, just 20 years old, brings invaluable batting strength and useful off-spin bowling to the team.
Another star player is Diane Bimenyimana, who is not only a prolific batter but also a top fast bowler for the team, with two five-wicket hauls and the career-best of 5 for 3 against Malawi. Diane’s experience and ability to contribute with both bat and ball make her a vital player for Rwanda’s campaign in Namibia.
The squad also boasts young talents such as Henriette Ishimwe, who is one of Rwanda’s leading wicket-takers with remarkable accuracy and economy in medium pace bowling. She also has the distinction of scoring 1,215 runs in T20 Internationals, showcasing her all-round abilities.
Alongside her, Rosine Irera acts as a dependable off-spinner with one of the best economy rates in the team, adding depth and control to the bowling attack. These well-rounded players provide Rwanda with a balanced team capable of competing strongly against Africa’s best.
Leadership and experience lie with captain Flora Irakoze, who also fulfills wicketkeeping duties, offering stability and strategic insights on the field. The squad features a mix of promising youngsters and experienced players, aiming to build on their recent successes in Africa cricket.
Several players on this team were part of Rwanda’s historic qualification for the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, demonstrating the growth pathway and talent pipeline within Rwanda cricket.
Rwanda’s journey to the qualifiers highlights their growing stature in African women’s cricket. After dominating the Division Two qualifier with a strong performance, the team is cautiously optimistic about the greater challenge ahead. The team departs for Namibia on August 26, where they will contend with other top African nations like Sierra Leone, who qualified as runners-up from Division Two.
Overall, Rwanda enters the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier with a capable and well-rounded squad combining experienced all-rounders, dynamic batters, and skillful bowlers. Their recent performances and squad composition signal strong ambition to secure a spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup and further elevate the profile of women’s cricket in Rwanda and Africa.
Rwanda squad for Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier 2025:
Marie Bimenyimana (C), Flora Irakoze (WK), Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Diane Bimenyimana, Rosine Irera, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Sylvia Usabyimana, Geovanis Uwase, Merveille Uwase
Loves all things female cricket