Kenya Women and Rwanda Women will compete in the 5th Place Play-off of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier at Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek, with both teams aiming to finish their tournament on a high. The fixture promises a competitive edge, as both teams have a history of producing closely fought matches in recent years.
Rwanda Women defeated Kenya Women by 6 wickets in their Qualifier match, chasing a target of 104, thanks to strong performances from captain Marie Bimenyimana and opener Gisele Ishimwe. Head-to-head, Rwanda have enjoyed a slight edge in, winning three of the last five encounters, 12 off 19 so far, offering momentum coming into this play-off.
Squads:
Kenya Women’s Cricket Team
Queentor Abel, Esther Wachira, Veronica Abuga, Melvin Khagoitsa, Venasa Ooko, Ruth Achando, Lavendah Idambo, Josephine Abwom, Jemimah Ndanu, Monicah Ndhambi, Judith Ogolla, Janet Nthenya, Mary Mwangi, Ann Wanjira
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Bimenyimana, Flora Irakoze, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Diane Bimenyimana, Rosine Irera, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Sylvia Usabyimana, Geovanis Uwase, Merveille Uwase
Players to watch out:
Marie Bimenyimana
Marie Bimenyimana is an all-around hitter and the captain of Rwanda’s women’s cricket team. She debuted in T20Is in 2019 and has scored 1471 runs at an average of 17.72 in 97 innings, including a record 114 not out—Rwanda’s first women’s T20I century. She has also taken 83 wickets at an average of 11.78 in just 72 innings. She will be the main standout player for Rwanda Women in this game.
Melvin Khagoitsa
Melvin Khagoitsa is a Kenyan women’s cricketer who has played 50 T20 Internationals. In her T20I career, she has scored 249 runs with a batting average of 10.82 and a top score of 30. With the ball, she has taken 51 wickets in these matches, with a bowling average of 13.49 and an economy rate of 3.82, showcasing good effectiveness and control with best bowling figures of 5/13. She is a significant all-around player for Kenya.
Henriette Ishimwe
Rwanda Women’s 21-year-old all-rounder Henriette Ishimwe bowls right-arm medium pace and bats right-handed. In her T20I career, she has played 116 matches, scoring 1276 runs in 104 innings at an average of 16.57 and a strike rate of 96.44, with a top score of 67*. With the ball, Ishimwe has been outstanding, taking 141 wickets in 110 innings at an average of 10.34, an economy rate of 4.37, and best figures of 5/6, including six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.
Queentor Abel
Queentor Abel bats right-handed and bowls right-arm off-break. In Women’s T20 Internationals (T20Is), she has played 68 matches, scored 1475 runs at an average of about 25.42, including seven fifties and one century with the highest score of 109. With the ball, she has taken 93 wickets with an impressive bowling average and has been a major contributor in both batting and bowling departments for Kenya. Abel is known for her leadership and all-round abilities.
Pitch:
The pitch at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. It tends to provide early assistance to pacers with some movement off the surface, making the start of the innings favorable for fast bowlers. As the game progresses, the pitch slows down a bit, allowing spinners to come into play in the middle overs.
Weather:
Windhoek will see mostly sunny weather with temperatures expected to be quite warm and no significant rain in the forecast. Afternoon heat may feel intense, but the gentle breeze may provide some relief. Skies should stay clear through most of the day, promising uninterrupted action.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Marie Bimenyimana, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Diane Bimenyimana, Rosine Irera, Geovanis Uwase, Queentor Abel, Esther Wachira, Veronica Abuga, Melvin Khagoitsa, Venasa Ooko
Match Details:
Date – September 6, 2025
Time – 5:20 PM IST
Venue – High Performance Oval, Windhoek
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
