As the curtain rises on Match 7 of the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025, fans can expect a spirited showdown between Brazil and Nigeria, two teams with distinct cricketing journeys and a shared hunger for international exposure. This fixture promises to be more than just a contest for points; it’s a compelling chapter in the expanding narrative of women’s cricket, where passion, resilience, and the drive for progress take centre stage.
History favours Nigeria in this budding rivalry. The West Africans boast a perfect record against their South American opponents, having secured victory in both of their previous T20I encounters. These results not only give Nigeria a psychological edge but also add an extra layer of intensity as Brazil seeks their maiden win over the Falcons.
Brazil arrived in Rwanda on the back of a challenging campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier held in March 2025, where they managed to notch up a couple of wins against Argentina but struggled for consistency. They’ll be eager to translate those flashes of promise into a breakthrough performance at Kwibuka.
On the other hand, Nigeria’s last major outing was in the previous edition of this very tournament, where they finished a respectable fourth, amassing eight points from seven matches. With four victories and three defeats in Kwibuka 2024, Nigeria have demonstrated their competitive credentials and will look to build on that solid foundation.
Squads:
Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
Favour Eseigbe (C), Abigail Igbobie (vc, wk), Rukayat Abdulrasak, Adeshola Adekunle, Annointed Akhigbe, Muhibat Amusa, Christabel Chukwuonye, Omosigho Eguakun, Sarah Etim (wk), Usen Peace, Rachael Samson, Esther Sandy, Salome Sunday, and Lillian Udeh.
Brazil Women’s Cricket Team
Carolina Nascimento (C), Laura Cardoso (vc), Roberta Moretti Avery, Laura Agatha, Marianne Artur, Mayara dos Santos (wk), Lara Moisés, Evelyn Muller, Nicole Monteiro, Maria Ribeiro, Giulia Ribeiro, Ana Sabino, Maria Silva, Lindsay Vilas Boas (wk)
Players to watch out:
Laura Cardoso
The Brazilian vice-captain has picked up 34 wickets at an average of 11.97 and an economy of 4.56 in 30 innings, including one four-wicket haul in the format with the ball for her side so far. She has also scored 279 runs in 28 innings with the bat for her side in the format. She has picked up five wickets in the last five innings with the ball for their side, signalling signs of good form, coming into this game.
Carolina Nascimento
The Brazilian skipper has always led from the front, especially in the bowling department. She has picked up 32 wickets at a sensational average of 12.59 and an economy of 4.57 in 27 innings, including a five-wicket haul with the ball in the format for her side. She has also scored 88 runs in 18 innings with the bat for her side. In a recent game she registered her maiden five-wicket haul (5/12) in the format against Argentina.
Lillian Udeh
The 18-year-old youngster is already the leader of the Nigerian pace-attack, and has already established herself as one of the prominent wicket-takers for Nigeria in the T20I format. She has picked up 40 wickets at an outstanding average of 11.12 and an economy of 4.53 in 29 innings, including 3 four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul with the ball for her side. She has also scored 65 runs in 11 innings with the bat for her side in the format. In the recent games, she has picked up four wickets in five innings with the ball, including a three-wicket haul against Ireland, coming in the Women’s Under-19 World Cup earlier this year.
Rachael Samson
The 23-year-old pacer has been a crucial member of the Nigerian pace attack. She has picked up 43 wickets at an average of 16.51 and an economy of 4.61 in 50 innings, including a couple of four-wicket hauls in the format with the ball for her side. She has also scored 43 runs in 18 innings with the bat for her side. In the recent games, she has bowled well but hasn’t been amongst the wickets, which she would be keen to rectify in the upcoming games.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium is a balanced pitch, good for the pacers, with 38 wickets to their name and 16 wickets to the spinners in the last five games, with an average total of 122 at the venue.
Weather:
The temperature will hover around a pleasant 24°C, but scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast, with a 45% chance of precipitation. Humidity levels are set at 61%, and a gentle breeze will blow at 11 km/h. Expect rain interruptions and delays, if the skies don’t clear.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sarah Etim, Lindsay Vilas Boas, Salome Sunday, Esther Sandy, Favour Eseigbe, Carolina Nascimento, Laura Cardoso, Lillian Udeh, Adeshola Adekunle, Annointed Akhigbe, and Rachael Samson
Match details:
Date – June 4, 2025
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
