As the 11th edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament reaches a crucial juncture, all eyes turn to Match 8, where Malawi and Tanzania prepare to write a fresh chapter in their cricketing journeys. This encounter promises not just a contest of skills but a celebration of growing ambition in women’s cricket across Africa. With both teams hungry to make a mark, the stakes couldn’t be higher in what is set to be a closely fought battle in Kigali.
Remarkably, this will be the first-ever T20 International meeting between Malawi and Tanzania. Both sides will be eager to seize early bragging rights and set the tone for a new rivalry on the African women’s cricket landscape. The absence of historical baggage means both teams approach this clash with unbridled enthusiasm and the freedom to define their own narrative.
Malawi last featured in the 2024 edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, where their campaign was a mixed bag. With just two victories secured against Cameroon, Malawi will be keen to translate the lessons learned from their previous outing into a more consistent 2025 run.
Tanzania, on the other hand, come into this fixture after their appearance at the Women’s African Games in Ghana earlier in March 2024. Their tournament showed flashes of promise, a notable win against Namibia and a washed-out result against Nigeria but also highlighted areas for improvement. With the slate wiped clean, Tanzania will look to harness their potential and convert it into victories in Kigali.
Squads:
Tanzania Women’s Cricket Team
Jenipher Gabriel, Saumu Hussein (wk), Sophia Jerome, Perice Kamunya, Fatuma Kibasu, Sheila Kizito, Linda Massawe, Shufaa Mohamedi, Saum Mtae, Hudaa Omary, Getrude Mushi, Tabu Omary, Neema Pius, Agnes Qwele, Nasra Saidi, Mwanamvua Ushanga
Malawi Women’s Cricket Team
Alinafe Alfonso, Euless Chilarile, Febbe Malefula, Sophina Chinawa, Triphonia Luka, Esther Richard, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Tadala Mpandakwaya, Praise Maziya, Christina Bwanali, Eva Kabwere, Ketrina Chingaipe, Lucy Malino
Players to watch out:
Fatuma Kibasu
The 35-year-old experienced veteran has been one of the stand-out performers with the bat as well as with the ball for Tanzania in the T20I format. She has scored over 1,266 runs at a strike rate of 109.61 and an outstanding average of 35.16 in 45 innings, including five half-centuries and three centuries to her name in the format so far with the bat for her side. She has also picked up 20 wickets at an average of 17.60 and an economy of 5.66, including a couple of four-wicket hauls with the ball for Tanzania in the format. In their campaign opener, she scored 21 runs at picked up her 2nd four-wicket haul against Sierra Leone.
Agnes Joseph Qwele
She has been an impact performer with the bat as well as with the ball for Tanzania. She has scored 168 runs at an average of 12 in 18 innings with the bat and also picked up 30 wickets at an average of 13 and an economy of 4.54 in 30 innings with the ball for her side, in the format. She has been impressive with the ball for her side in recent games.
Sophina Chinawa
The 19-year-old youngster has already scored 162 runs at an average of 16.20 in 11 innings with the bat for Malawi. Sophina kicked off this campaign on a high, scoring an encouraging 25 runs in the game against Brazil.
Sugeni Kananji
She has scored 151 runs at an average of 18.87 in 10 innings with the bat for Malawi. She has also picked up 9 wickets at an average of 14.33 and an economy of 5.09 in 10 innings with the ball for her side in the format so far. In the game against Brazil, she scored 22 runs and picked up one wicket with the ball for her side, holding her in good stead.
Pitch:
The 22-yard center strip at Gahanga B Ground is suitable for the pacers, with 45 wickets in their favour and the spin department earning just 18 wickets and an average score of 91, which means you can expect another low-scoring thriller.
Weather:
The temperature is set to reach a comfortable high of 22°C, though it may feel slightly warmer at times, with a real feel of 25°C. However, players and spectators should stay prepared for the possibility of a passing thunderstorm, as there is a 25% chance of thunderstorms and a 42% probability of precipitation. Rainfall is expected to be light, with around 2.6 mm anticipated during the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Saum Mtae, Praise Maziya, Sophina Chinawa, Alinafe Alfonso, Hudaa Omary, Lidia Dimba, Agnes Joseph Qwele, Sugeni Kananji, Fatuma Kibasu, Ketrina Chingaipe, Nasra Saidi
Match details:
Date – June 4, 2025
Time – 5:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga B Ground, Rwanda
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
