The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the schedule for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Division 2 Africa Qualifier 2025, sparking excitement among cricket enthusiasts across the continent. On July 15, Rwanda proudly announced its squad set to represent the country in this prestigious tournament, marking a significant moment in the nation’s sporting journey.
Placing Rwanda in Group A, they are set to compete against Lesotho, Malawi, and Cameroon. Their campaign kicks off on July 20, 2025, at the vibrant Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1 in Gaborone, with an eagerly awaited match against Lesotho. This will be a golden opportunity for the Rwandan team to make a strong statement right from the start.
Just a day later, on July 21, the squad faces Malawi at Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2. Preparing for the final group stage match against Cameroon on July 23, the Rwandan team is eager to showcase its talent and determination. The semi-finals will follow on July 24, where the two leading teams from each group will battle it out, culminating in the grand final on July 26 at the same venue, where the ultimate champion will be crowned.
Among the players to keep an eye on is Gisele Ishimwe, a rising star at just 20 years old. As Rwanda’s all-time leading run-scorer, she has made a considerable impact with 1,448 runs in 86 innings, including two half-centuries and a memorable century. Her ability to anchor innings is complemented by her skills as an off-spinner, with 14 wickets to her name, making her an invaluable all-rounder for the team.
Diane Bimenyimana is another crucial player whose contributions cannot be overlooked. At 28, she brings a wealth of experience, having scored 1,302 runs in 102 T20 International matches, including a remarkable unbeaten 114 against Mali—Rwanda’s highest individual score in T20s. Beyond her batting, she’s a formidable fast bowler with 77 wickets and boasts some impressive performances, including a record of 5 for 3 against Malawi. Her exceptional 2024 season, where she finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals with 43 wickets, underscores her significance in the squad.
Henriette Ishimwe, only 21, has already solidified her role as a core member of the team. Having scored 1,169 runs across 107 T20I matches, she’s among the elite group of Rwandan batters to exceed the 1,000-run mark. Her proficiency with the ball adds another layer of strength to her game; she leads the team in wickets with an impressive tally of 132. As a medium-pace bowler, her economy rate of 4.28 is commendable, and her 50 wickets in 2024 were the highest claimed by any bowler that year in Women’s T20 Internationals.
Rosine Irera, an off-spinner, has also made her mark with a steady performance, claiming 66 wickets in 59 matches while maintaining an enviable economy rate of 3.66. Her disciplined bowling approach makes her a vital part of Rwanda’s T20 setup.
The squad features some promising talent, including Diane Bimenyimana, Merveille Uwase, Clarisse Uwitonze, Alice Ikuzwe, Gisèle Ishimwe, Rosine Irera, Rosette Shimweimana, Belyse Murekatete, Sakinah Niyomfura, Georgette Ingabire, Sarah Uwiera, Sylvie Usabyiyimbabazi, and Geovanis Uwase.
Historically, the Rwandan national team has participated in 107 T20I matches, achieving a solid record with 62 wins and 44 losses. However, their recent form has raised some eyebrows as they have only secured victory in two of their last five matches at the Kwibuka Women’s Twenty20 Tournament. Despite this, the team showcased their skill by topping the group stage during that tournament, although they faced disappointment in the semi-finals and third-place matches. They are now determined to channel the positives into their upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Division 2 Africa Qualifier campaign.
The fixtures for Rwanda’s qualifiers are as follows:
– July 20 – vs Lesotho
– July 21 – vs Malawi
– July 23 – vs Cameroon
– July 25 – Semi-finals
– July 26 – Final
As the tournament approaches, the Rwandan team is eager to prove its mettle, aiming to build on their strengths and secure a notable performance in the qualifiers. Fans across the nation are rallying behind their team, hopeful for a successful run in the upcoming matches. This represents not just a sporting event, but a moment of pride and unity for the entire country.
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