Rwanda has officially announced its 14-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, scheduled to take place from July 20 to 26 in Gaborone, Botswana. With a focus on gaining promotion to Division 1 and continuing their impressive rise in women’s cricket, the squad features a balanced mix of experienced performers and emerging prospects.
Leading the team is captain Diane Marie Bimenyimana, a seasoned all-rounder known for her leadership and consistency. Alongside her is Gisele Ishimwe, one of Rwanda’s most prominent young talents, who has built a reputation as a dependable batter and useful medium-pace bowler. Both players bring not only skill but also significant experience to guide the squad through what is expected to be a competitive tournament.
Gisele Ishimwe, just 19 years old, has already crossed major milestones in her international career. With over 1,300 runs in T20Is and a century to her name, she’s been central to Rwanda’s progress on the continental stage. Her all-round capabilities, especially her ability to anchor the innings and contribute with the ball, make her a critical figure in the lineup. Meanwhile, Bimenyimana has led from the front, boasting over 1,000 runs and close to 60 wickets in T20 internationals, including a T20I hundred. Her calm presence and match awareness provide Rwanda with the leadership required in tight contests.
Rwanda’s campaign in Gaborone begins on July 20 against Lesotho, followed by crucial matches against Malawi and Cameroon. The tournament’s format features a round-robin stage leading into semifinals and a final, with the top teams vying for promotion to Division 1 of the Africa qualifiers. Success here would bring Rwanda one step closer to the global qualifiers for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Rwandan Cricket Federation has emphasized that this tournament is part of their long-term vision for growing women’s cricket. Over the past few years, the national team has shown steady improvement, including a standout performance at the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, where Rwanda reached the Super Six stage. That momentum is now being channeled into senior team development, with a greater emphasis on structured coaching, fitness, and international exposure.
The current squad also features a handful of younger players who impressed at domestic and junior levels, reflecting the country’s growing pipeline of female talent. These newcomers are expected to play supporting roles but could prove to be game-changers if given the opportunity.
As Rwanda prepares for this critical qualifier, expectations are high. The team has undergone a focused training camp in Kigali, with special attention to fielding drills, match simulations, and adaptability in pressure situations. With leaders like Ishimwe and Bimenyimana setting the tone, Rwanda enters the Africa Division 2 Qualifier not just aiming to compete—but to win and move a step closer to the world stage.