The Kwibuka Women’s Twenty20 (T20) Tournament is an annual cricket event in Rwanda, held since 2014 by the Rwanda Cricket Association to honor the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Initially featuring East African teams, it has expanded to include nations from across Africa and beyond, such as Brazil. The 2025 edition, running from June 3–14, features nine teams: Brazil, Cameroon, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and a Zimbabwe High Performance XI. Uganda are the defending champions, and the tournament continues to both commemorate its origins and promote women’s cricket’s growth internationally.
The opening match of the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament features a highly anticipated clash between the Rwanda and Cameroon, scheduled for June 3, 2025, at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali. Both sides will be eager to set a positive tone for their campaigns, with Rwanda looking to leverage home advantage and Cameroon aiming to make an impact on the international stage.
Historically, Rwanda Women have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, having won both of their meetings against Cameroon. However, each new tournament brings fresh opportunities, and Cameroon will be determined to challenge the hosts. The match promises to showcase emerging talent from both nations, highlighting the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket in Africa.
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
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:
Marie Bimenyimana
Marie Bimenyimana is Rwanda’s captain and a batting all-rounder. She debuted in T20Is in 2019 and has scored 1156 runs at an average of 16.51 in 80 innings, including a record 114 not out—Rwanda’s first women’s T20I century. With the ball, she has taken 64 wickets at an average of 11.56 in just 55 innings. She led Rwanda to a 3-2 series win over Kenya in late 2024 and is heading the squad for the 2025 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, aiming to build on Rwanda’s strong performances in previous editions.
Sarah Uwera
The wicketkeeper-batter has also captained Rwanda on a few occasions. She has scored 522 runs in 58 T20Is, with a top score of 60 not out. Sarah hasn’t had much success in international cricket of late and struggled for runs in the team’s recent campaign in Kenya, yet her experience and reliability makes her a key player.
Marguerite Bessala
Marguerite Bessala has played 21 T20 Internationals, scoring 110 runs, making her one of Cameroon’s top run-scorers in the format. Her most recent appearance dates back to the 2024 Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament.
Pitch:
The center strip at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium is 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:
The conditions are forecasted to be favourable for cricket with the temperature to hover around 26°C, with partly cloudy skies and moderate humidity. There is a small chance of a brief afternoon thunderstorm, but most of the time will be dry and suitable for cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Marie Bimenyimana, Alice Ikuzwe, Georgette Ingabire, Belise Murekatete, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Merveille Uwase, Sarah Uwera, Akago Eliane, Brenda Waluma, Cathy Mbelel, Marguerite Bessala
Match details:
Date – June 3, 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.
