Match 35 of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 features Malawi facing Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) XI at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali on June 12, 2025. Both teams enter this contest with distinct narratives, making it a compelling match-up as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Malawi have shown flashes of resilience throughout the tournament but have struggled to convert performances into victories, falling short against stronger sides like Uganda and Nigeria. Their batting lineup, led by captain Lidia Dimba, has at times found it tough to build momentum, while the bowling unit, featuring Sugeni Kananji and Eva Kabwere, will need to step up against a powerful Zimbabwe HP XI. For Malawi, this is an opportunity to finish strong and test themselves against one of the tournament’s most consistent teams.
Zimbabwe HP XI, meanwhile, have been one of the standout teams in the competition, recently posting a dominant 163/6 against Cameroon and regularly putting up competitive totals. Players such as Christabel Chatonzwa and Loreen Tshuma have been instrumental with both bat and ball, and the side’s depth allows them to recover from early setbacks. With a place in the knockouts on the line, Zimbabwe HP XI will be determined to maintain their winning momentum and fine-tune their combinations ahead of the business end of the tournament.
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
Zimbabwe HP XI Women’s Cricket Team
Kelly Ndiraya, Natasha Mtomba, Nokutenda Makanhiwa, Cathrine Chitombo, Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Loryn Phiri, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Passionate Munorwei, Salem Museka
Players to watch out:
Lidia Dimba
The 26-year-old in 16 T20I has scored 241 runs at an average of 18.53, with a top score of 74* and a strike rate of 79.80. With the ball, she has taken 13 wickets in as many bowling innings at an average of 17.38 and an economy rate of 4.82, with best figures of 3/15. She has scored 99 runs in the tournament so far with the bat and picked 7 wickets as well, including the 3/15 in her most recent outing.
Sugeni Kananji
The 19-year-old all-rounder in the tournament so far has scored 112 runs and has picked 6 wickets. She is also recognized for her economical bowling, consistently maintaining a low economy rate in the tournament, and is ranked among the top for best economy rates in 2025. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a vital player for Malawi as they compete in the Kwibuka tournament.
Nomvelo Sibanda
The left-arm pacer for Zimbabwe in 52 matches, taking 50 wickets at an average of 14.92 and an economy rate of 4.82. Her best figures are 5 for 14, and she has one five-wicket haul in the format. Sibanda in her last game against Cameroon picked up 2 wickets in her four overs spell with a maiden over as well. She has picked 6 wickets in the tournament so far and is a prolific and consistent performer with the ball.
Chiedza Dhururu
The 29-year-old right-handed wicketkeeper-batter in 40 T20Is has scored 298 runs at an average of 12.41, with a top score of 44. In the ongoing competition, she has scored a crucial 55 off 59 balls, anchoring Zimbabwe HP XI to a strong total. In the tournament so far, Dhururu has scored 141 runs with the bat and is a vital cog for her side. Dhururu’s steady presence at the top and her keeping skills make her a valuable asset for Zimbabwe.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali is well-prepared and balanced, aiding both batters and bowlers. It tends to favor bowlers slightly, especially pacers, and chasing teams often have an advantage. The surface is not known for being high scoring, so smart cricket and adaptability are key for success.
Weather:
Expect comfortable weather conditions with daytime temperatures to hover around 24–26°C. There is a chance of shower spells, so brief rain delays are possible, but overall rainfall is not expected to be heavy, and the humidity will be moderate.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Passionate Munorwei, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Praise Maziya, Christina Bwanali, Eva Kabwere
Match details:
Date – June 12, 2025
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
