As the 2025 edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament enters its thrilling final stages, the spotlight turns to the first semi-final clash brimming with intensity, history, and high stakes between hosts Rwanda Women and Tanzania Women, scheduled for June 13, 2025, starting 1:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Rwanda enters the contest as the table toppers with 14 points to their name, winning 7 games and losing just one. On the other hand, Tanzania has won five and lost three, but with back-to-back wins, including a 119-run win in their most recent game, they are high om confidence.
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:
Marie Bimenyimana
The Rwandan skipper has been a calm and composed presence at the crease, anchoring her side in pressure situations. Against Brazil, Marie showcased her leadership with a crucial 34 off 38 balls holding the innings together while wickets fell at the other end. In T20Is, she has scored 1277 runs from 86 innings and scalped 71 wickets from 62 bowling innings and can be relied upon for all-round efforts.
Rosine Irera
Rosine continues to evolve as Rwanda’s go-to bowler in crunch moments. Her match-winning spell of 2/17 in 4 overs against Brazil earned her the Player of the Match award a testament to her control, accuracy and reading of the game. In 57 T20I, she has scalped 65 wickets, at an average of 10.40 and an economy rate of 3.60, and registered the best of 4/13. She can also be handy with the bat on a few occasions.
Agnes Qwele
Qwele has been in impressive with the ball for her side in the tournament so far, picking up 8 wickets in 8 innings with the ball for her side. She will once again be a vital cog in the Tanzanian bowling attack. She has picked up 38 wickets at an average of 12.10, and an economy of 4.32 in 36 T20I innings, including one four-wicket haul. She has also scored 204 runs at a strike rate of 81.60 in 22 innings with the bat for her side in the format.
Fatuma Kibasu
Kibasu has been a prolific run-scorer for her side in the T20I format, with 1,433 runs at a strike rate of 109.30 and an average of 34.95 in 51 innings, including six half-centuries and three centuries to her name in the format. She has also picked up 22 wickets at an average of 18.13 and an economy of 5.60 in 28 innings, including a couple of four-wicket hauls with the ball for her side in the format.
Pitch:
The surface at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali remains a balanced one, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. Pacers may find some help early on, while batters who spend time at the crease can capitalize later. Chasing has generally proven to be the preferred strategy here.
Weather:
Conditions are expected to be comfortable, with temperatures around 25°C and moderate humidity at 51%. Skies will be partly cloudy, but there’s minimal threat of rain interruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sarah Uwera, Neema Pius, Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Perice Kamunya, Agnes Qwele, Hudaa Omary, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Rosine Irera
Match details:
Date – June 13, 2025
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
