Nigeria women to tour Rwanda for return leg of bilateral T20I series

The Rwanda team celebrate (Denis Musali)

Rwanda Cricket Association will host the Nigeria women for a five match T20 series at the majestic Gahanga Cricket Stadium from September 4-7. It will serve as the return leg between the two sides that saw corresponding fixtures played at the new facility in the Nigerian capital Abuja during January this year, as the two emerging African nations take advantage of universal T20 International status to get invaluable match practice while also fighting out for ranking points on the global table.

Both nations took part in the recent World Cup T20 qualifiers in Zimbabwe and gave a good account of themselves. Pitted in the same Group A, Rwanda won the single contest between them but Nigeria was able to pick up a victory against fellow newcomers Mozambique.

Nigeria named a 14-strong squad to represent them on the tour which includes exciting twins Taiwo and Kehinde Abdulquari. The side is led by the experienced pair of Samatha Agazuma and Agatha Obulor as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively.

Rwanda has selected a very young side that will be led by Sarah Uwera as Captain and also includes World Record holder Cathie Umahoro.

Like they did in the Abuja earlier in 2019 the sides will compete in five T20s and Rwanda will hope to turn around the 3-2 result that went Nigeria’s way during that series. All matches will be played at the iconic Gahanga Stadium.

Two games each will be played on the 4th & 6th, and the 7th will host the final match.

The Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Rwanda

Nigeria

Samantha Agazuma (C)
Agatha Obulor (V.C)
Blessing Etim
Mary Desmond
Rachael Samson
Taiwo Abdulquari
Salome Sunday
Kehinde Abdulquari
Shakirat Oyewole (WK)
Esther Sandy
Blessing Frank
Favour Eseigbe
Omonye Asika
Fyneface Fate

Rwanda

Sarah Uwera (C/Wk)
Gisele Ishimwe
Henriette Ishimwe
Sifa Ingabire
Alice Ikuzwe
Josiane Nyirandikumeza
Ishimwe Dusabemungu
Neema Micheline
Immaculate Muhawenimana
Cathia Uwamahoro
Divine Igihozo
Belyse Murekatete
Margueritte Vumiliya
Delphine Mukarurangwa

Denis Musali

Denis is digital communications manager for Cricket Uganda and also writes for Kawowo Sports. If it isn't cricket he spends his time working on his ridesharing startup. On a Sunday he captains his club side Wanderers Cricket club as a wicket-keeper batsman.