Match 34 of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 promises to be a marquee clash as hosts Rwanda take on the defending champions Uganda at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2 in Kigali on June 12. Both sides have been impressive through the round-robin phase, making this encounter a potential preview of the knockout stages.
Rwanda, captained by Marie Bimenyimana, have enjoyed an excellent run on home soil, notching up wins against teams like Zimbabwe HP XI and Malawi. The likes of Henriette Ishimwe and Alice Ikuzwe have provided both stability and flair, particularly with the bat, while their bowlers have thrived in local conditions. Backed by home support and familiar with the nuances of the Gahanga pitch, Rwanda will be eager to topple the reigning champions and reinforce their credentials as serious contenders.
Uganda, led by Janet Mbabazi, have demonstrated their pedigree with a string of strong performances, including a narrow win over Zimbabwe HP XI and a dominant victory against Cameroon. Their lineup features reliable all-rounders and a disciplined bowling attack, giving them the edge in tight situations. Uganda’s consistency and experience in high-pressure matches make them formidable opponents as they look to defend their title.
Squads:
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Bimenyimana (C), 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
Uganda Women’s Cricket Team
Prosscovia Alako, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Janet Mbabazi, Kevin Amuge, Phiona Kulume, Teddy Oyella, Esther Iloku, Kevin Awino, Concy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, Sarah Tino, Sarah Walaza
Players to watch out:
Marie Bimenyimana
The 28-year-old has scored 1231 runs at an average of 16.63 in 85 innings, including a record 114 not out—Rwanda’s first women’s T20I century. She has also taken 71 wickets at an average of 11.53 in just 61 innings. Marie in the tournament so far has scored 89 runs with the bat and picked 7 wickets with the ball and has been the perfect example of leading the side from front.
Merveille Uwase
The 19-year-old Rwandan wicketkeeper-batter has played 49 T20Is, scoring 577 runs at an average of 14.79 with a top score of 62* and one half-century. In the tournament so far, she has scored 79 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.
Sarah Walaza
Sarah Walaza has played 34 WT20Is, taking 17 wickets at an average of 25.70 and an economy rate of 5.40, with best figures of 3/6. With the bat, she has scored 33 runs in 16 innings, with the highest score of 10. She has picked 10 wickets in her last 10 innings with the ball and in a recent game against Cameroon she picked 2 wickets also bowling a maiden over, dismantling their batting lineup.
Janet Mbabazi
The 29-year-old all-rounder in 100 T20Is has scored 1,192 runs in 92 innings at an average of 15.02, with the highest score of 44 and a strike rate of 75.79. With the ball, Mbabazi has taken 102 wickets in T20Is, maintaining an average of 12.02 and an economy rate of 4.57. Her best bowling performances include five four-wicket hauls, making her a reliable wicket-taker and a key option in the Ugandan attack.
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 conditions with daytime temperatures forecasted to hover around 24–26°C. There are chances of rain, so brief showers are possible, but overall rainfall is not expected to be heavy. Humidity will be moderate, and you can look forward to several hours of sunshine.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Janet Mbabazi, Kevin Amuge, Sarah Akiteng, Sarah Walaza, Alice Ikuzwe, Georgette Ingabire, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Sarah Uwera
Match details:
Date – June 12, 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.
