Match 36 of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 brings together Brazil and Sierra Leone in a late group-stage clash at the Gahanga Cricket Ground 2, Kigali, on June 12. Both teams have endured challenging campaigns, but this fixture offers a valuable opportunity for each to finish on a high and build momentum for future tournaments.
Brazil have shown flashes of promise throughout the competition, including a notable win over Malawi and a close contest against Nigeria. Their batting has relied on key contributions from the top order, while the bowling attack, though inconsistent, has the potential to trouble opposition lineups. With two wins from six matches so far, Brazil will be eager to end their group stage on a positive note and showcase the progress they’ve made on the international stage.
Sierra Leone, meanwhile, have found victories hard to come by, managing just one win in their six outings and struggling with both bat and ball against more established teams. Players like Emma Kamara and Isha Bangura have shown fighting spirit, but the team will need a collective effort to challenge Brazil. For Sierra Leone, this match is about pride and gaining crucial experience at this level.
Squads:
Brazil Women’s Cricket Team
Ana Clara Sabino, Camille Vitoria, Evelyn Muller, Laura De Silva, Maria Silva, Carolina Nascimento, Laura Cardoso, Roberta Avery, Lindsay Boas, Mayara dos Santos, Giulia Ribeiro, Lara Moises, Maria Ribeiro, Marianne Artur, Nicole Monteiro
Sierra Leone Women’s Cricket Team
Fatmata Parkinson, Hussainatu Sawanneh, Jane Newland, Marie Turay, Aminata Kamara, Ann Kamara, Celina Bull, Emma Kamara, Isha Bangura, Fatu Conteh, Zainab Kamara, Alice Fillie, Linda Bull, Patrica Pratt
Players to watch out:
Maria Ribeiro
The 22-year-old in 36 T20I innings has struck 39 wickets at an impressive average of 13.30 and an economy rate of 4.84, with best figures of 4 for 18 in an innings. In her recent matches, Ribeiro has continued to deliver with the ball. She picked up 1/14 against Nigeria and in her previous two outings has produced back-to-back 3-fers (3/22 and 3/9). She has picked 8 wickets in the tournament so far and her recent form makes her a key asset in Brazil’s bowling attack.
Laura Cardoso
The 20-year-old in 38 T20Is has scored 383 runs at an average of 13.67 with a top score of 45. With the ball, she has taken 37 wickets at an average of 12.69 and an economy rate of 4.60, with best figures of 4/13. She made history as the first Brazilian cricketer, male or female, to take a T20I hat-trick and is widely regarded as Brazil’s premier all-rounder. She has scored 104 runs and picked 3 wickets in the tournament so far.
Emma Kamara
The 16-year-old in 23 T20Is has scored 276 runs at an average of 14.52, with the highest score of 40* against Mozambique. With the ball, she has taken 21 wickets at an impressive average of 10.71 and an economy rate of 4.68, with best figures of 4/7. In the tournament so far, she has scored 53 runs with a best of 40* runs and picked 8 wickets. She has contributed with both bat and ball and is among the top wicket-takers in the competition.
Celina Bull
The 18-year-old in T20Is has been a regular part of the lineup, with recent performances highlighting her dual skills. In the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament so far, she has scored 62 runs with the bat and picked 4 wickets with the ball. Her recent outings underline her value as a reliable all-rounder for Sierra Leone. She has managed starts of 35, 12, and 16 in recent outings and will be backed to build on these scores.
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 comfortable weather conditions with daytime temperatures to hover around 24–26°C. There are chances of shower spells, so expected delays and interruptions, but overall rainfall is not expected to be heavy, and the humidity will be moderate.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura De Silva, Laura Cardoso, Roberta Avery, Lindsay Boas, Maria Ribeiro, Nicole Monteiro, Aminata Kamara, Ann Kamara, Celina Bull, Emma Kamara, Linda Bull
Match details:
Date – June 12, 2025
Time – 5:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
