Match 15 of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 features Malawi taking on Cameroon at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali on June 6. Both teams are looking to build momentum as the group stage intensifies, making this a key fixture for their tournament aspirations.
Malawi have been buoyed by the all-round performances of Lidia Dimba, who has impressed with both bat and ball, including an unbeaten 27 and a 3-wicket haul in recent matches. Young batter Sophina Chinawa has also shown promise at the top of the order, providing valuable starts. Malawi’s balanced lineup and improving consistency make them a tough opponent as they aim for a spot in the semifinals.
Cameroon, meanwhile, rely on the contributions of all-rounders like Michelle Ekani and Jeanne Ngono. Ekani’s ability to chip in with runs and wickets adds depth, while Ngono’s all-round skills offer stability in the middle-order. Cameroon will be eager to bounce back from earlier setbacks and put together a strong team performance.
Squads:
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
Cameroon Women’s Cricket Team
Akago Eliane, Brenda Waluma, Cathy Mbelel, Elsa Garcia Souna, Marguerite Bessala, Bernadette Mbida, Jeanne Ngono, Olive Ranedoumoun, Madaleine Sissako, Michelle Ekani, Clemence Manidom, Edwige Guehoada, Maeva Douma, Sonita Akenji
Players to watch out:
Sugeni Kananji
The 19-year-old all-rounder for Malawi Women in her last two outings in the ongoing Kwibuka tournament, has scored 41 runs and picked 2 wickets as well. Kananji is also recognised for her economical bowling, consistently maintaining a low economy rate in the tournament. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a vital player for Malawi Women.
Eva Kabwere
The 17-year-old left-arm bowler for Malawi made her T20I debut in the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament. In her first two matches, Kabwere has already made an impact with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs against Tanzania Women, at an economy rate of 5.75. Kabwere’s strong start in the Kwibuka tournament highlights her potential as a promising young bowler for Malawi, and she is quickly establishing herself as a key figure in their attack.
Madaleine Sissako
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper-batter for Cameroon she has played 22 T20Is, scoring 238 runs in 22 innings at an average of 11.33 and a strike rate of 57.48, with the highest score of 57 against Eswatini. With the ball, she has bowled in 15 innings, taking 7 wickets at an average of 32.62 and an economy rate of 6.66, with best figures of 3/14 in a match against Ghana. Her consistent performance makes her a vital player for Cameroon.
Marguerite Bessala
Marguerite Bessala is a right-handed all-rounder for Cameroon Women. She has played 23 T20Is, scoring 130 runs, making her one of Cameroon’s top run-scorers in the format. Bessala also contributes with the ball, though her wicket tallies include just one wicket in five innings. She remains a key top-order batter for Cameroon, offering stability and experience as the team continues to build its presence in international women’s cricket.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali is well-prepared and balanced, aiding 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:
Marguerite Bessala, Bernadette Mbida, Jeanne Ngono, Madaleine Sissako, Michelle Ekani, Sugeni Kananjii, Sophina Chinawa, Lidia Dimba, Eva Kabwere, Praise Maziya, Triphonia Luka
Match details:
Date – June 6, 2025
Time – 5:00 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
