As the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament unfolds in Kigali, Rwanda, the cricketing world turns their attention to Day 2, featuring a compelling clash between the hosts Rwanda and Sierra Leone. This tournament commemorates the 31st anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, serving as a poignant reminder of unity and resilience through sport.
Historically, Rwanda has held an upper hand against Sierra Leone, winning all four of their games so far. In the 2023 edition, Rwanda showcased their dominance, finishing at the top of the round-robin stage, while Sierra Leone faced challenges in securing victories. After opting out from the 2024 edition, Sierra Leone Women make a comeback this season eager to leave a strong impression. While Rwanda had advanced to the third-place play-off last season, they will eye one better finish this time around.
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 (wk), Sarah Uwera (wk)
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:
Henriette Ishimwe
A standout performer, Ishimwe has played 98 WT20I matches, picking up 116 wickets with best bowling figures of 5/6 and amassing 1026 runs. Her disciplined bowling has etched her name in the records of Most four-wickets-in-an-innings in a career in Women’s T20Is. Her all-rounder ability to deliver under pressure makes her a game-changer for Rwanda.
Rosine Irera
Irera is known for her consistency in line and length and has been among Rwanda’s top wicket-takers. She has been featured in 51 WT20Is, picking up 57 wickets, with best bowling spell of 4/13, and has also added 51 runs to her tally. While she only managed only 2 wickets in her previous five outings, in the bilateral series against Kenya, she can be trusted to step up her efforts.
Aminata Kamara
Kamara has emerged as Sierra Leone’s leading batter. She has been a consistent performer known for her batting prowess and ability to anchor the innings. In 29 WT20Is, she has amassed 391 runs and picked up 22 wickets with best bowling spell of 3/4. Earlier this year, against Eswatini, she scored her career-best of 88* and also returned figures of 2/2 in the same game.
Zainab Kamara
A key bowler for Sierra Leone, Zainab has delivered crucial spells in past tournaments, providing breakthroughs when needed. Kamara announced her arrival on the international stage with very impressive bowling figures of 4/7 against Mozambique Women, her career-best to date. In 20 T20I innings Kamara has picked up 23 wickets and amassed 185 runs.
Pitch:
The Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali typically offers a balanced surface, with early assistance for seamers and good value for stroke play as the match progresses. The surface tends to assist both batters and bowlers, making for competitive matches.
Weather:
The weather in Kigali is expected to be pleasant, with clear skies, 74% humidity and the temperature will hover around 25°C. The overall conditions are expected to be conducive for cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sarah Uwera, Marie Bimenyimana, Aminata Kamara, Zainab Kamara, Henriette Ishimwe, Rosine Irera, Ann Kamara, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Emma Kamara, Fatu Conteh
Match details:
Date – June 5, 2025
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
