Rwanda and Zimbabwe High Performance (HP) XI are set for a high stakes encounter in Match 24 of the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali. Both teams have demonstrated strong form in the group stages, making this fixture a crucial one as the tournament heads toward its knockout rounds.
Rwanda, playing on home soil, have impressed with their disciplined performances, including a dominant 91-run victory over Cameroon, a 55-run victory against Sierra Leone, a solid 49-run win against Malawi and a 40-run victory against Nigeria. Their squad, led by the experienced Marie Bimenyimana and featuring key players like Henriette Ishimwe and Shakila Niyomuhoza, has consistently delivered with both bat and ball. Rwanda’s familiarity with local conditions and a passionate home crowd could provide a significant advantage as they look to secure a top spot in the standings.
Zimbabwe HP XI, meanwhile, have brought a competitive edge to the tournament, pushing opponents with their aggressive approach and depth in both departments. The likes of Christabel Chatonzwa and Loreen Tshuma have been instrumental in their campaign, and the team will be eager to continue their strong run against a well-drilled Rwandan side.
Squads:
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Marie Bimenyimana (C), Alice Ikuzwe, Georgette Ingabire, Rosine Irera, Henriette Ishimwe, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana, Clarrisse Umutoniwase, Sylvia Usabyimana, Geovanis Uwase, Merveille Uwase, Sarah Uwera
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:
Rosine Irera
The 20-year-old has played 54 WT20I matches, taking 60 wickets at an impressive average of 10.56 and a miserly economy rate of 3.56, with best bowling figures of 4 for 13. With the bat, Irera has scored 51 runs in 19 innings, with a top score of 17, though her main contributions come with the ball. In the Kwibuka tournament so far, she has bowled in three games and has picked 3 wickets with the ball. Her ability to control the run rate and pick up crucial wickets makes her a key asset for the Rwandan team.
Alice Ikuzwe
In 81 WT20I matches, Ikuzwe has scored 500 runs in 61 innings with the highest score of 38* and has yet to register a half-century or century. She has also picked 61 wickets in 53 innings with the ball so far, with best bowling figures of 5 for 12. With the ball, Ikuzwe has delivered some impactful spells, including a standout performance in the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, where she took 4 wickets for just 9 runs in her 4 overs, finishing with an exceptional economy rate of 2.25, and 7 wickets in total.
Loreen Tshuma
The 28-year-old 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, Tshuma has taken 36 wickets in 36 innings at an average of 17.41 and an economy rate of 5.31, with best figures of 4/11. In the opening game against Nigeria, Tshuma scored 29 of 32 deliveries, giving a steady run flow for Zimbabwe HPC Women. She has scored 98 runs in the tournament so far, and her all-round abilities and consistency make her a key player for Zimbabwe.
Christabel Chatonzwa
The 35-year-old all-rounder in her very latest outing during the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament against Nigeria scored 22 runs off 28 balls and scored 37 off 26 deliveries against Brazil in another recent encounter. In the game against Uganda, Chatonzwa, with the ball, picked 2 wickets in her 4-over spell, just giving away 8 runs. She has scored 86 runs in the tournament so far, picking up 2 wickets and is a key member of this Zimbabwean line-up.
Pitch:
The pitch at Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2 in Kigali is balanced, offering good bounce for batters and assistance for pace bowlers. Spin can come into play later in the match. The outfield is fast, and teams chasing totals have a slight advantage. Overall, it’s a competitive surface favoring both bat and ball.
Weather:
Expect mild and comfortable temperatures ranging from about 14°C in the early morning to a high of around 22°C during the day. The weather will be partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, so some rain is possible. Conditions will be humid with possible rain and storm activity later in the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu, Nomvelo Sibanda, Passionate Munorwei, Alice Ikuzwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Sarah Uwera, Rosine Irera
Match details:
Date – June 8, 2025
Time – 5:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga Cricket Stadium 2, Kigali
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
