Get ready to witness the thrill and excitement of women’s cricket as the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024 gears up to kick off on February 25th, lasting till March 3rd in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria. Organized by the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), this prestigious event marks the fourth edition of the invitational tournament, showcasing the burgeoning talent and passion for the sport across the African continent.
Tournament Overview: Four formidable teams, namely the hosts Nigeria Women, Rwanda Women, Sierra Leone Women, and Tanzania Women, are all set to vie for supremacy in a series of exhilarating encounters. With a total of 12 matches scheduled, fans can expect nothing short of riveting cricketing action as these teams battle it out on the field.
Format and Competition: In a double round-robin format, each team will lock horns with the others twice, totaling six matches per team. The stakes are high as every match holds the key to securing a spot in the finals. The team that emerges triumphant at the end of this intense competition will be crowned the champions of the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024.
Venue: All eyes will be on the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, the picturesque setting where cricketing dreams will unfold, and champions will be forged. This historic venue serves as the perfect backdrop for showcasing the talent and resilience of these women cricketers.
Previous Champions: Nigeria emerged victorious in the previous edition of the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational, edging out Rwanda in a thrilling encounter to clinch the title. As defending champions, they enter the tournament with renewed vigor and determination to uphold their legacy of excellence on home soil.
NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024 teams and squads
Nigeria Women: Blessing Etim (captain), Adeshola Adekunle, Esther Sandy, Rukayat Abdulrasaq, Abigail Igbobie (wicketkeeper), Lucky Piety (wicketkeeper), Sarah Etim, Favour Eseigbe, Lilian Ude, Salome Sunday, Victory Igbinedion, Christabel Chukwuonye, Peculiar Agboya, Rachael Samson
Rwanda Women: Marie Bimenyimana (captain), Alice Ikuzwe, Irera Rosine, Sifa Ingabire, Flora Irakoze (wicketkeeper), Merveille Uwase (wicketkeeper), Belyse Murekatete, Giovannis Uwase, Gisele Ishimwe, Henriette Ishimwe, Marie Tumukunde, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Immaculee Muhawenimana, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Usabyimana Sylivia, Zurafat Ishimwe
Sierra Leone Women: Celine Bull, Fatmata Parkinson, Linda Bull, Marie Turay, Ramatu Turay, Zainab Kamara (wicketkeeper), Jane Newland, Mary Kamara, Patricia Pratt, Theresa Tommy, Aminata Kamara, Ann Marie Kamara, Fatu Pessima, Hussainatu Sawanneh, Isha Quee, Alice Fillie, Hassanatu Sawaneh, Janet Kowa, Mary Sherrif
Tanzania Women: Hudaa Omary, Neema Pius, Saum Mtae, Saumu Hussein (wicketkeeper), Mwanaidi Swedy, Aisha Mohamed, Perice Zakayo Kamunya, Tabu Omary, Adolphina Sylvester, Rahima Kibwana, Agnes Joseph Qwele, Josephine Ulrik, Mwanamvua Hamisi, Sheila Shamte, Sophia Frank, Saidat Mbaki
Where to Watch: For cricket enthusiasts eager to catch every moment of the action, live streaming of the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024 will be available exclusively on the FanCode app and website in India. While there will be no live telecast on any TV channel in India, fans can stay connected to the excitement through the digital platforms.
NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024 schedule and live match start times
All match times are in India Standard Time (IST)
Sunday, February 25
Tanzania Women vs Rwanda Women – 2:45 PM
Nigeria Women vs Sierra Leone Women – 6:45 PM
Monday, February 26
Tanzania Women vs Nigeria Women – 2:45 PM
Rwanda Women vs Sierra Leone Women – 6:45 PM
Wednesday, February 28
Nigeria Women vs Rwanda Women – 2:45 PM
Sierra Leone Women vs Tanzania Women – 6:45 PM
Thursday, February 29
Tanzania Women vs Rwanda Women – 2:45 PM
Nigeria Women vs Sierra Leone Women – 6:45 PM
Saturday, March 2
Rwanda Women vs Sierra Leone Women – 2:45 PM
Tanzania Women vs Nigeria Women – 6:45 PM
Sunday, March 3
Sierra Leone Women vs Tanzania Women – 2:45 PM
Nigeria Women vs Rwanda Women – 6:45 PM
Conclusion: As the countdown begins for the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024, anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high. With fierce competition, thrilling encounters, and a celebration of women’s cricket, this tournament promises to be a testament to the growing prominence of the sport in Africa. So, gear up to witness history in the making as these talented athletes showcase their skills and passion on the grand stage of the NCF Women’s T20 Invitational 2024!