The third-place match of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 sets up a compelling contest between hosts Rwanda Women and Uganda Women, two teams with a rich rivalry and a history of close encounters. Both sides narrowly missed out on a spot in the final after hard-fought campaigns. With Rwanda recently edging Uganda by five wickets in their previous meeting—a result that will add extra motivation for Uganda to seek redemption.
Rwanda, buoyed by home support and a balanced squad, will look to leverage their familiarity with the conditions and maintain their winning momentum. Uganda, known for their disciplined bowling and aggressive top order, will be determined to finish the tournament on a high and reclaim bragging rights. With both teams boasting talented players and a strong competitive spirit, fans can expect a closely fought battle for the bronze medal in Kigali.
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
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:
Esther Iloku
Esther Iloku is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter for Uganda Women, known for her reliability at the top of the order. In T20 Internationals, she has played 35 matches, scoring 545 runs at an average of 16.21 and a strike rate of 72.17, with a personal best of 47 not out. She has put up 139 runs in the tournament so far and her steady contributions at the top have made her a key figure in Uganda’s batting lineup, and her recent consistency will be crucial in the upcoming third-place match.
Rita Musamali
Rita Musamali has played 107 T20Is, scoring 1,337 runs at an average of 20.89 and a strike rate of 84.67, with a career-best score of 103*. Musamali has also contributed with the ball, taking 21 wickets in 35 innings at an economy rate of 5.60 and a best of 3/11. She has scored 97 runs in the tournament so far and her experience and all-round ability make her a vital asset for Uganda in crucial matches like the upcoming third-place playoff.
Marie Bimenyimana
Marie Bimenyimana is Rwanda’s women’s cricket captain and a batting all-rounder. She debuted in T20Is in 2019 and has scored 1281 runs at an average of 16.85 in 87 innings, including a record 114 not out, and has taken 76 wickets at an average of 11.22 in just 63 innings with best bowling figures of 5 for 3. In the tournament so far, she has scored 154 runs with the bat crossing the 15-run mark six times and has picked 15 wickets with the ball with three 3-wicket hauls and a fifer.
Henriette Ishimwe
The 21-year-old all-rounder for Rwanda, in her T20I career, she has played 106 matches, scoring 1168 runs in 96 innings at an average of 16.68 and a strike rate of 95.73, with a top score of 67*. With the ball, Ishimwe has struck 130 wickets in 101 innings at an average of 10.23, an economy rate of 4.27, and best figures of 5/6, including six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls. In the tournament so far, she has scored 156 runs and bagged 18 wickets with the ball.
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, providing good conditions for cricket with no significant rain forecasted.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Merveille Uwase, Sarah Uwera, Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Janet Mbabazi, Sarah Akiteng
Match details:
Date – June 14, 2025
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
