Hosts Nigeria head into Match 8 of the Nigeria Women’s T20I Invitational carrying strong expectations, but they have already demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure at the Tafawa Balewa Square. Built around a settled group of players who have spent significant time together in the national setup, Nigeria will be looking to maintain momentum. Rwanda, on the other hand, arrive as a confident and cohesive unit after registering three successive victories. The fixture is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, with the start time set for 6:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads
Nigeria Women’s Cricket Team
Anointed Akhigbe, Christabel Chukwuonye, Esther Sandy, Favour Effiong, Henrietta Mbam, Kehinde Amusa, Lilian Ude, Peace Usen, Piety Lucky, Queen Joseph, Salome Sunday, Sarah Etim, Shola Adekunle, Victory Igbinedion, Omosigho Eguakun
Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team
Alice Ikuzwe, Belise Murekatete, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Flora Irakoze, Geovanis Uwase, Rosette Shimwamana, Rosine Irera, Sylivie Usabyimana, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette T. Ishimwe, Marie Diane Bimenyimana (C), Merveille Uwase, Shakila Niyomuhoza
Players to Watch
Piety Lucky
Nigeria captain Piety Lucky set the tone in the successful chase against the Zimbabwe Under-19 side, stabilising the innings with a composed 21 from 19 deliveries that included four boundaries. Her calm presence at the top of the order and leadership ensured the team remained in control while pursuing the target with wickets and overs in hand.
Peace Usen
Peace Usen played a decisive role in dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, producing figures of 3/16. She removed three key middle-order batters, including Beloved Biza, and contributed in the field with a direct run-out. Her Player of the Match performance showcased disciplined bowling that restricted the opposition to a total of 80.
Fanny Utagushimaninde
Fanny Utagushimaninde announced her arrival on the international stage in emphatic fashion by becoming the youngest player to register a T20I century. She dominated Ghana’s attack with an unbeaten 111 from 65 balls, striking 17 boundaries. Her strike rate of 170.77 powered Rwanda to a record total of 210 and earned her the Player of the Match award.
Belise Murekatete
Belise Murekatete delivered an outstanding spell in Rwanda’s opening victory, finishing with 3/20 from four overs at an economy rate of 5.00. Her effectiveness in the closing stages was evident as she claimed the crucial wicket of Kate Awuah on the final ball to seal the win.
Pitch Report
The Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval now offers a ten-strip turf wicket, replacing the earlier concrete base to provide more consistent bounce. Fast bowlers can expect assistance early in the innings, while the surface is likely to become drier later, allowing spinners to benefit from grip and natural wear.
Weather Forecast
Conditions in Lagos are expected to be partly sunny, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 31°C. There is a 45% chance of rain during the day, accompanied by southwest winds at around 11 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI
Anointed Akhigbe, Lilian Ude, Peace Usen, Piety Lucky, Queen Joseph, Salome Sunday, Esther Bakiweyem, Grace Essoun, Grace Quaicoe, Kate Awuah, Rashidatu Salia
Match Details
- Date: March 24, 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM IST
- Venue: Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos
- Broadcast: T.B.C.
