Hosts Rwanda have confirmed a well-balanced 14-player squad for the inaugural ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy 2026, set to take place at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium. Led by Diane Bimenyimana, the squad combines experienced performers with emerging talent as the team looks to make full use of home conditions.
With a consistent core contributing to Rwanda’s steady rise in associate cricket, the hosts will aim to carry their recent momentum into a tournament designed to strengthen development pathways for emerging nations.
Rwanda Squad for ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy 2026
Diane Bimenyimana, Belyse Murekatete, Fanny Utagushimaninde, Geovannis Uwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Rosine Irera, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Rosette Shimwamana, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Flora Irakoze, Henriette Ishimwe, Merveille Uwase, Alice Ikuzwe, Ruth Uwimana
Strong Build-Up Ahead of Home Tournament
Rwanda enter the competition following a strong campaign at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament 2026. They finished top of the group stage before ending as runners-up after losing to Nigeria in the final, a run that highlighted their growing consistency.
Fanny Utagushimaninde was one of the standout performers, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 132 runs. She remains a key figure at the top of the order and previously made headlines by becoming the youngest centurion in women’s T20Is at 15 years and 223 days, while also being the first woman to score a century on T20I debut.
Core Players Driving Rwanda’s Rise
Marie Bimenyimana has been central to Rwanda’s progress over the past year, scoring 373 runs in 21 innings at an average of 21.94. She has also contributed with the ball, taking 25 wickets at an average of 11.76.
Henriette Ishimwe has emerged as another key all-round performer, scoring 295 runs in 19 innings at an average of 22.69 while leading the bowling charts with 30 wickets in 21 innings at an average of 10.60.
Gisele Ishimwe has added stability to the batting lineup with 261 runs in 11 innings at an average of 23.72, while Rosine Irera has provided consistency with the ball, claiming 23 wickets in 21 innings at an average of 11.86.
Opportunity on the Global Stage
Rwanda will face Nepal, USA, Italy, and Vanuatu in the tournament, which brings together teams from across five ICC development regions. The format offers valuable exposure against unfamiliar opposition, contributing to long-term development.
Playing on home soil is expected to be an advantage, with familiarity of conditions and local support in their favour. The tournament also serves as a stepping stone towards larger global opportunities, especially with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup set to expand to 16 teams by 2030.
Hosts Aim for Strong Showing
With a balanced squad and encouraging recent results, Rwanda will look to translate consistency into success. The Challenge Trophy presents a significant opportunity for the hosts to make an impact in the competition’s first edition.
