The Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 brings a marquee clash as Rwanda face Tanzania in Match 30 at Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali. Both teams have been among the most consistent performers in this year’s competition and are eyeing a top finish in the group stage.
Rwanda have made a strong impression in this tournament, riding a wave of victories over teams like Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) XI, Nigeria, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon. Their batting has been led by captain Marie Bimenyimana and star all-rounder Henriette Ishimwe, while their bowling attack, featuring Sylvia Usabyimana and Shakila Niyomuhoza, has kept opponents in check.
Tanzania have set the standard for consistency, boasting an unbeaten run through the group stage. With experienced campaigners like Fatuma Kibasu and Neema Pius providing firepower at the top, and Perice Kamunya anchoring the bowling, Tanzania have looked formidable in all departments. Their recent nine-wicket victory over Brazil Women underlines their dominance and ability to chase down targets with authority.
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
Tanzania Women’s Cricket Team
Getrude Mushi, Hudaa Omary, Neema Pius, Saum Mtae, Agnes Qwele, Fatuma Kibasu, Perice Kamunya, Tabu Omary, Linda Massawe, Saumu Hussein, Shufaa Mohamedi, Jenipher Kimaro, Mwanamvua Ushanga, Nasra Saidi, Sheila Kizito, Sophia Jerome
Players to watch out:
Merveille Uwase
Merveille Uwase is a 19-year-old Rwandan wicketkeeper-batter who has played 48 T20I matches, scoring 549 runs at an average of 14.83 with a top score of 62* and one half-century. In the tournament so far, she has scored 73 runs and continues to impress with the bat. Uwase is valued for her steady contributions with the bat and her reliability behind the stumps for Rwanda.
Rosette Shimwamana
The 18-year-old spinner in 15 T20I innings has picked up 10 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 3.09. Her recent performances include bowling figures of 1 wicket for 8 runs against Nigeria and 2 for 17 against Zimbabwe HP XI. Shimwamana is still early in her international career and is featuring mainly as a bowler, where she has shown her ability to bowl tight overs and pick up wickets in the middle overs.
Neema Pius
The 23-year-old in the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament made an immediate impact by scoring 77 runs off 61 balls in her first match. She has scored 576 runs in 37 innings with an average of 20.57 and striking at 96.32 with two half centuries under her name and has also taken 10 wickets in 13 innings. In the tournament so far, she has scored 172 runs with the bat and has also picked 4 wickets. Her all-round performance highlights her value to Tanzania.
Mwanamvua Ushanga
The 20-year-old left-arm spinner has bowled in 21 T20I innings, taking 16 wickets at an average of 18.21 and an economy rate of 4.69, with best figures of 3 for 1. She was exceptional in the latest outing, picking 2 wickets and giving away only 18 runs against Uganda. The team will count on her to continue and build on this form.
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 hazy sunshine throughout the day, with no significant rain forecasted. Conditions should be warm and dry, making it ideal for the cricketing conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Neema Pius, Agnes Qwele, Fatuma Kibasu, Perice Kamunya, Nasra Saidi, Sophia Jerome, Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Georgette Ingabire, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe
Match details:
Date – June 11, 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.
