Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 Teams: Full Squad List

Five teams compete at the Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament 2026: hosts Rwanda, Nigeria, Brazil, Malawi, and Zimbabwe HPC.

The 12th edition runs from June 10 to June 20, 2026 at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali, with each side playing the others twice in a double round-robin.

Notably, defending champions Tanzania and three-time winners Uganda are absent. This guide profiles every team, lists confirmed squad names, and breaks down each side’s Kwibuka history, current captains, and key players to watch.

Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 Teams at a Glance

Here is a quick comparison of the 5 teams competing in the 2026 edition, including their captain (where confirmed), past Kwibuka appearances, and best-ever finish.

Specifically, *Zimbabwe HPC count includes their 2024 appearance as Zimbabwe A and 2025 appearance as Zimbabwe XI. Furthermore, key captain announcements for Rwanda, Brazil, Malawi, and Zimbabwe HPC are awaited closer to the tournament start

1. Rwanda Women (Hosts)

Above all, Rwanda enters the 2026 tournament as the most-experienced Kwibuka side with appearances in all 11 prior editions. Specifically, they won the title in 2023 by beating Uganda in the final at Gahanga. In contrast to the other four teams in 2026, Rwanda is the only side that has lifted the Kwibuka trophy.

Furthermore, the hosts arrive on the back of a strong Nigeria Invitational T20I Tournament 2026 where they topped the group stage before finishing runners-up to Nigeria in the final. Moreover, they finished 4th at the 2025 Kwibuka Tournament after losing to eventual champions Tanzania in the semi-finals.

Rwanda Key Players to Watch

As of June 6, 2026, the Rwanda Cricket Association has not officially announced the final Kwibuka 2026 squad. However, based on recent international tours, expected key players include the following.

• Henriette Ishimwe (all-rounder): Player of the Series at 2025 Kwibuka with 20 wickets. She was also the first Rwandan to reach 100 WT20I wickets in 2024.
• Gisele Ishimwe (top-order batter): One of Rwanda’s most consistent recent performers with a top-five all-time runs tally for the side.
• Fanny Utagushimaninde (opener): Top run-scorer at Nigeria Invitational 2026 with 132 runs and the youngest WT20I centurion ever at 15 years 223 days.
• Marie Bimenyimana (medium-pacer): Veteran all-rounder and Player of the Series at the 2019 Kwibuka edition.
• Sylvia Usabyimana (bowler): Took 3/17 vs Sierra Leone at 2025 Kwibuka and remains a tournament regular.

Rwanda Kwibuka Form (Last 5 Editions)

Notably, Rwanda has consistently been in the top four. Specifically, their last five finishes are: 3rd (2021), 4th (2022), Champion (2023), 3rd (2024), 4th (2025).

2. Nigeria Women (Female Yellow Greens)

First of all, Nigeria comes into the 2026 edition with a 14-player squad led by returning captain Favour Eseigbe. Sarah Etim is vice-captain, while Theophilus Ibodeme continues as head coach. Importantly, Eseigbe was recalled to the squad after almost a year out, having last featured at the 2025 Kwibuka tournament.

Furthermore, Nigeria recently won the ICC Associates Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year award, which raises expectations for this tournament. As a result, the Yellow Greens enter 2026 as one of the favourites alongside Rwanda and Zimbabwe HPC.

Nigeria’s Kwibuka 2026 Squad (14 Players)

Here is the complete confirmed Nigeria squad for Kwibuka 2026. Specifically, the side was selected from a 24-player camp held in Benin City.

• Favour Eseigbe (Captain)
• Sarah Etim (Vice-Captain)
• Christabel Chukwuonye
• Deborah Bassey
• Esther Sandy
• Favour Effiong
• Henrietta Mbam
• Jessica Bieni
• Lilian Ude
• Omosigho Eguakun
• Oseyende Omonkhobhio
• Rachael Samson (consistent wicket-taker at 2025 Kwibuka)
• Salome Sunday (experienced batter, multiple Kwibuka editions)
• Shola Adekunle

Nigeria Kwibuka Form (Last 5 Editions)

In contrast to Rwanda’s top-four consistency, Nigeria has hovered between 4th and 5th. Their recent placements: 4th (2021), 5th (2022), 4th (2023), 4th (2024), 5th (2025).

3. Zimbabwe HPC Women

Notably, Zimbabwe HPC stands for Zimbabwe High Performance Centre: the official Zimbabwe Cricket development side that combines senior pathway players with U-19 talents. Specifically, this is their second successive Kwibuka appearance after the side competed as Zimbabwe A in 2024 and Zimbabwe XI in 2025.

Above all, Zimbabwe HPC carries serious momentum: they reached the final of both 2024 (as Zimbabwe A) and 2025 (as Zimbabwe XI), losing both times. Therefore, 2026 marks a clear chance to finally win a Kwibuka title. However, they will need to navigate a wide-open field this year.

Zimbabwe HPC Key Players to Watch

Specifically, here are the development pathway players who shone in recent Kwibuka editions.

• Kelis Ndhlovu (all-rounder): Top run-scorer at 2024 Kwibuka with 295 runs, the highest aggregate in a single Kwibuka edition since records went official in 2019.
• Christine Mutasa (medium-fast bowler): Took a hat-trick at the 2024 Kwibuka tournament for Zimbabwe A.
• Nomvelo Sibanda (bowler): Featured for Zimbabwe HPC against Uganda in last year’s edition; reliable wicket-taker.
• Chiyedza Dhururu: Previous captain of Zimbabwe representative sides at recent Kwibuka editions.

Zimbabwe HPC Kwibuka Form

As a result of consecutive final appearances, Zimbabwe carries a 0% title rate from 2 attempts. Furthermore, both finals were lost narrowly (2 runs to Uganda in 2024, 32 runs to Tanzania in 2025).

4. Brazil Women

Originally, Brazil made history in 2022 as one of the first two non-African nations to play the Kwibuka tournament alongside Germany. Specifically, this is their third Kwibuka appearance after 2022 and 2025. In contrast to most other teams, the Brazilian side travels the longest distance to reach Kigali.

Furthermore, Brazil’s WT20I record book has grown significantly in recent years. Their highest team total stands at 273/1 vs Mexico (September 2024). Additionally, Laura Cardoso’s 9/4 vs Lesotho in April 2026 set a new WT20I best-bowling figures record for any team.

Brazil Key Players to Watch

• Maria Ribeiro (medium-pacer): Took 3/19 vs Malawi in the 2025 Kwibuka opener and is a multi-edition Kwibuka veteran.
• Laura Cardoso (bowler): Holds the new WT20I best-bowling figures record (9/4 vs Lesotho, April 2026).
• Laura Agatha (batter): Holds Brazil’s highest individual WT20I score (144*, vs Mexico, September 2024).
• Roberta Moretti Avery (all-rounder): Captained Brazil at the 2022 Kwibuka tournament and remains a key contributor.

Brazil Kwibuka Form

Notably, Brazil has finished 6th in both their previous Kwibuka appearances (2022 and 2025). Therefore, a top-four finish in 2026 would be a clear step up.

5. Malawi Women

Meanwhile, Malawi enters the 2026 edition for their third Kwibuka appearance after debuting in 2024 and returning in 2025. Specifically, they finished 7th in both previous editions. As a result, this tournament gives them an opportunity to break through against more established T20I sides in a smaller five-team field.

Furthermore, Malawi’s senior team record book includes a highest team total of 189/5 vs Lesotho (September 2023). Additionally, the side has been building through consistent fitness, skills, and tactical sessions ahead of Kigali.

Malawi Key Players to Watch

• Lidia Dimba (batter): Holds Malawi’s highest individual WT20I score (74* vs Lesotho, September 2023) and scored 27 in the 2025 Kwibuka opener.
• Triphonia Luka (bowler): Holds Malawi’s best WT20I bowling figures (5/16 vs Mozambique, November 2019).
• Vanessa Phiri (medium-pacer): Took 3/29 in the 2024 Kwibuka edition and is a key wicket-taker.
• Sophina Chinawa (batter): Top-scored with 22 against Uganda at 2024 Kwibuka.

Malawi Kwibuka Form

Specifically, Malawi has finished 7th in both their previous appearances. Therefore, a target finish of 4th or 5th in the 2026 five-team field would mark genuine progress.

Each Team’s Opening Match on June 10, 2026

First of all, all five teams play their tournament openers on June 10, 2026. Specifically, the opening day fixtures are confirmed as follows.

Notably, Zimbabwe HPC plays twice on day one with their fixture against Brazil. Furthermore, both venues sit within the same Gahanga Cricket Stadium complex in Kigali.

Suggested Reads:

• ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup 2026
• ACC Women’s T20I Premier Cup 2026 Teams

Conclusion: 5 Teams Set for the Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament 2026

The Kwibuka Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 teams present a fascinating mix: hosts Rwanda lead on experience and home advantage, Nigeria boasts the only fully confirmed squad and a recent Associates Performance of the Year award, and Zimbabwe HPC arrives off back-to-back final appearances.

Meanwhile, Brazil and Malawi target their first top-four finish in tournament history. Specifically, with no past champion in the field besides Rwanda, the title is genuinely up for grabs. Above all, the final on June 20, 2026 will crown either a defending host or a first-time Kwibuka champion.