• Rwanda picks 14 for Lagos 2026
The teams billed to participate in the 2026 Nigeria Cricket Federation’s (NCF) T20 International Women’s invitational Tournament are expected to arrive in Lagos today ahead of the competition, which begins on Friday.
The competition will see two of the best teams in the world, South Africa and Zimbabwe, competing with Ghana, Rwanda and hosts Nigeria at both the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the UNILAG Oval from March 20 to 28.
South African and Zimbabwe are coming into the tournament with their U-19 teams, which are as good as they come in Africa.
According to the tournament’s programme, Ghana and Rwanda will open the chase for glory by 10.00 a.m. on Friday, followed by Zimbabwe versus Nigeria by 2.00 p.m.
South Africa will come into the fray on Saturday when they face Ghana from 10.00 a.m., while a game between Zimbabwe and Rwanda will hold from 2.00 p.m. same day.
Sunday’s action will begin with a West African clash between Nigeria and Ghana in the morning followed by Rwanda’s clash with South Africa later in the day.
Monday, March 23 is rest day for all the teams, but the challenge resumes on Tuesday with a Southern Africa clash between South Africa and Zimbabwe, while Nigeria and Rwanda will rekindle their rivalry shortly after.
The Nigerian girls will face the South African juggernaut in March 25’s opening game, while Ghana and Zimbabwe will take to the crease in the day’s last game.
The organisers of the tournament have reserved March 26 for sightseeing with the teams taking to iconic places in and around Lagos.
Thereafter, the semifinals will old on March 27, while the third place and final games will come up on March 28.
Meanwhile, Captain Diane Bimenyimana is leading a Rwandan 14-woman squad combining experienced players with emerging talent to the tournament.
Also in the squad are Fanny Utagushimaninde, Gisele Ishimwe, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Shakila Niyomuhonza, Henriette Ishimwe, Alice Ikuzwe, Belyse Murekatete, Geovanis Uwase, Rosine Irera, Rosette Shimwamana, Flora Irakoze, Merveille Uwase and Sylivia Usabyimana.
The team is scheduled face international opposition in the short-format tournament, which aims to promote the growth of women’s cricket across Africa.
The invitational will run for nine days, featuring a round-robin format followed by classification matches and the final.
