As the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 progresses towards its crucial stages, Match 26 brings together Malawi and Nigeria in what promises to be a closely contested encounter. Both teams have shown flashes of potential throughout the tournament and will be eager to finish strong as the group phase nears its conclusion.
Malawi have faced tough opposition but have shown steady improvement with each outing. While results have not always gone their way, their fighting spirit has been evident, especially in close matches against teams like Brazil and Rwanda. Players such as Sugeni Kananji and Eva Kabwere have been central to Malawi’s efforts, and the team will be keen to capitalize on any opportunities to challenge Nigeria.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have delivered some spirited performances in Kigali, including a memorable two-wicket win over Tanzania earlier in the tournament. Their campaign has been marked by resilience, with players like Peace Usen stepping up in key moments. Nigeria’s bowling attack has often kept them in the hunt, while their batting lineup, though occasionally inconsistent, has the firepower to post competitive totals.
Squads:
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
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:
Lidia Dimba
The 26-year-old in 15 T20Is has scored 132 runs at an average of 19.33, with a top score of 74* and a strike rate of 82.85. With the ball, she has taken 10 wickets in 12 innings at an average of 21.10 and an economy rate of 4.92, with best figures of 3/17. In her most recent match, Dimba scored 25 runs and took 2/14 against Cameroon, and also contributed with the ball in other games. She has scored 90 runs in the tournament so far with the bat and picked 4 wickets as well, including 1/16 and 1/27 in her last few outings, underlining her value as a genuine all-rounder for Malawi.
Lucy Malino
Lucy Malino is a left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler for Malawi. In 14 T20Is she has struck 14 wickets at an average of 81.71 and an economy rate of 5.57, with best figures of 3/17. She has picked 4 wickets in the tournament so far and is recognized for her tidy bowling and growing impact in Malawi’s women’s cricket setup.
Rachael Samson
The 23-year-old in Nigeria’s first outing of the tournament took 3 wickets for 24 runs in 3 overs, placing her among the top wicket-takers in the competition so far. She has bowled in 55 innings and picked up 48 wickets with the ball, with best figures of 4 for 13. She has picked up 8 wickets in the tournament so far and her recent performance in the tournament highlights her ability to provide breakthroughs.
Muhibat K Amusa
The 18-year-old all-rounder in 5 T20Is has scored 76 runs and struck 7 wickets. She has picked 9 wickets in her last 6 innings and scored 93 runs with the bat as well. Her notable scores read 17, 21, 19, and 23, while her bowling returns read 2/17, 2/17, 1/17, 2/4 and 2/7. Amusa continues to develop as a promising player for Nigeria, offering both batting and bowling options.
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. Overall, it’s a competitive surface favoring both bat and ball.
Weather:
Expect comfortable weather with daytime highs around 24–26°C and lows near 13–14°C. There’s a small chance of light rain, but most of the day should be dry with some sunshine and gentle winds.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophina Chinawa, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Praise Maziya, Christina Bwanali, Eva Kabwere, Esther Sandy, Salome Sunday, Anointed Akhigbe, Christabel Chukwuonye, Lilian Ude
Match details:
Date – June 10, 2025
Time – 1:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
