Match 13 of the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament brings together Brazil Women and Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) XI Women at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali on June 6. Both sides are eager to make their mark as the tournament enters a crucial phase.
Brazil Women, led by Laura Cardoso, have shown flashes of promise in the group stages, with a blend of youthful energy and experienced campaigners like Roberta Moretti Avery and Mayara dos Santos. Their recent matches have highlighted the need for greater consistency with the bat, but their bowling attack has kept them competitive, especially on helpful Kigali surfaces.
Zimbabwe HPC Women, meanwhile, enter the fixture with momentum after a hard-fought win over Nigeria Women, where they defended a modest total to clinch a 6-run victory. Skipper Nomvelo Sibanda leads a disciplined bowling unit, while all-rounders like Passionate Munorwei and Nyasha Gwanzura have stepped up in key moments. Their ability to hold their nerves under pressure could be a decisive factor in this contest.
Squads:
Brazil Women’s Cricket Team
Ana Clara Sabino, Camille Vitoria, Evelyn Muller, Laura De Silva, Maria Silva, Carolina Nascimento, Laura Cardoso, Roberta Avery, Lindsay Boas, Mayara dos Santos, Giulia Ribeiro, Lara Moises, Maria Ribeiro, Marianne Artur, Nicole Monteiro
Zimbabwe HP XI Women’s Cricket Team
Kelly Ndiraya, Natasha Mtomba, Nokutenda Makanhiwa, Cathrine Chitombo, Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Vimbai Mutungwindu, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Loryn Phiri, Michelle Mavunga, Nomvelo Sibanda, Passionate Munorwei, Salem Museka
Players to watch out:
Maria Ribeiro
Maria Ribeiro is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and lower-order right-handed batter for Brazil Women. In 35 WT20Is she has struck 32 wickets from as many innings at an impressive average of 14.12 and an economy rate of 4.80, with best figures of 4 for 18 in an innings. In this campaign, Ribeiro has returned figures of 1/14 against Nigeria Women and 3/19 against Malawi Women. Her recent form makes her a key asset in Brazil’s bowling attack during the ongoing Kwibuka tournament.
Laura Agatha
The 25-year-old right-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler has played 44 T20I matches, accumulting 663 runs at an average of 22.86, with the highest score of 144* against Mexico Women, and a strike rate of 87.69. She kicked off this campaign with a blazing 31 runs off 23 balls against Malawi Women. She can be trusted with anchoring the innings and providing stability at the crease.
Loreen Tshuma
The 28-year-old Zimbabwean all-rounder who has played 38 T20Is, scoring 177 runs in 18 innings at an average of 14.75 and a strike rate of 101.72, with a top score of 46. With the ball, she has taken 36 wickets in as many innings at an average of 17.44 and an economy rate of 5.32, with best figures of 4/11. In the opening game against Nigeria Women, Tshuma scored 29 of 32 deliveries giving a steady run flow for Zimbabwe HPC Women.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali is well-prepared and balanced, offering something for both batters and bowlers. It tends to favor bowlers slightly, especially pacers, and chasing teams often have an advantage. The surface is not known for being high-scoring, so smart cricket and adaptability are key for success.
Weather:
Expect comfortable weather with temperatures around 26°C and only a slight chance of a brief shower or isolated thunderstorm. Overall, it should be mostly dry with some sun and light winds, making for pleasant cricket conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Christabel Chatonzwa, Nomvelo Sibanda, Passionate Munorwei, Laura De Silva, Carolina Nascimento, Maria Ribeiro, Roberta Avery, Mayara dos Santos
Match details:
Date – June 6, 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.
