Cricket: Rwandan players to watch at U19 Women's World Cup

A host of world’s young cricket players from various parts of the world will be in South Africa as the look forward to showing what they can offer on the global scene head of the much-anticipated inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup slated for January 14-29. Rwanda, one of the 16 countries getting ready to participate at the tournament, and Leonard Nhamburo’s young guns know it’s now or never for them to show what Rwanda can offer to the world of cricket as they hope to catch the attention of the world with their talents. Rwanda is pooled in Group B alongside favorites England and Pakistan as well as Africa heavyweights Zimbabwe. Times Sport takes a look at five Rwandan players to look out for at the World Cup. Henriette Ishimwe Ishimwe needs no introduction as she is one of outstanding female cricket talents on the African continent that the world must watch in South Africa. The 19-year-old right arm all-rounder was the player of the tournament during the qualifiers and had the most runs and wicket combined. Rwandans still thank the national team skipper for her pivotal role in inspiring the country to securing a qualification to the World Cup after her fantastic display against Tanzania in the final in Botswana. Ishimwe plies her trade at local club Indatwa Hampshire. In 2022, she was among the two budding female cricket players chosen from Africa to play in the Fairbank Invitational Tournament in Dubai. She also features for the senior women’s national cricket team. Merveille Uwase A talented opening batter and wicket keeper, Uwase was one of the leading run scorers during the U19 Women’s Africa qualifiers held in Botswana. The 17-year-old, who features for Gahanga Queens cricket club, will be very key to the fortunes of the Rwandan side in the tournament. Geovanis Uwase Born on October 10, 2004, Uwase is an outstanding Pace bowler. The Rwamagana Phoenix Cricket Club player has speed in her bowling and she is, above all, a great finisher with the bat. She is pretty a great asset for Leonard Nhamburo’s side and at the same times a nuisance for rivals who face a tough test to stop her from making dangerous runs. Rosine Irera Irera is a talented off spinner who is a key spin bowler when she turns the ball. The 18-year-old is one of the players that Nhamburo is counting on to propel Rwanda to victory in South Africa. She plies her trade locally with Sorwathe Cricket Club and has been impressive during Rwanda’s buildup games for the World Cup. Gisele ishimwe She is the captain and leader of the team. A very good all-rounder, Gisele Ishimwe bats and bowls very well for the team. Nhamburo admires her for the fact that, when it gets tough, she delivers where the team needs her most. Ishimwe plays for local cricket side Indatwa Hampshire.

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Cricket: Rwandan players to watch at U19 Women's World Cup