The ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 schedule has now been completed in Kigali, Rwanda. Five teams, Rwanda Women, Italy Women, Nepal Women, United States Women, and Vanuatu Women, played 20 matches in a double round robin format from April 18 to May 1.
All matches were played at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium and Gahanga B Ground. United States Women finished as the tournament winners after topping the points table with 13 points, while Nepal Women ended second with 10 points.
Nepal Women closed the schedule with an 8-wicket win over Italy Women in the final league match. The tournament featured double headers across the schedule, with matches streamed live on FanCode.
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Overview & Winner
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | 5 (Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, USA, Vanuatu) |
| Matches | 20 (Double Round Robin) |
| Duration | 14 days (April 18 to May 1, 2026) |
| Venues | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Gahanga B Ground |
| Daily Match Slots | 2 (12:30 PM & 5:20 PM IST) |
| Host Nation | Rwanda |
| Streaming | FanCode (global) |
| Format | T20 International (full status) |
| Winner | Nepal Women |
Complete ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Schedule & Results
The tournament opens on April 18 with Rwanda vs Italy at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, followed by Nepal vs USA in the evening slot. Each team plays eight matches in the double round robin format.
| Date | Match | Venue | Team 1 | Team 2 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Apr 18 2026 | 1st Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Italy Women 72-1 (11) | Rwanda Women 50-4 (7) | Italy Women won by 16 runs |
| Sat, Apr 18 2026 | 2nd Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | United States Women 123-6 (20) | Nepal Women 79-9 (20) | United States Women won by 44 runs |
| Sun, Apr 19 2026 | 3rd Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Rwanda Women 109-8 (20) | Vanuatu Women 68 (19.3) | Rwanda Women won by 41 runs |
| Sun, Apr 19 2026 | 4th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Nepal Women 112-8 (20) | Italy Women 62 (18.4) | Nepal Women won by 50 runs |
| Tue, Apr 21 2026 | 5th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Rwanda Women 127-4 (20) | United States Women 126-5 (20) | Rwanda Women won by 1 run |
| Tue, Apr 21 2026 | 6th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Vanuatu Women 114-6 (20) | Italy Women 115-6 (19.3) | Italy Women won by 4 wickets |
| Wed, Apr 22 2026 | 7th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Rwanda Women 88 (19.4) | Nepal Women 89-8 (19.4) | Nepal Women won by 2 wickets |
| Wed, Apr 22 2026 | 8th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | United States Women 153-6 (20) | Vanuatu Women 100 (20) | United States Women won by 53 runs |
| Fri, Apr 24 2026 | 9th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Vanuatu Women 97-5 (20) | Nepal Women 75 (15.3) | Vanuatu Women won by 22 runs |
| Fri, Apr 24 2026 | 10th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | United States Women 146-6 (20) | Italy Women 74 (16) | United States Women won by 72 runs |
| Sun, Apr 26 2026 | 11th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Rwanda Women 133-5 (20) | Vanuatu Women 130-3 (20) | Rwanda Women won by 3 runs |
| Sun, Apr 26 2026 | 12th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Nepal Women 86-6 (20) | United States Women 89-3 (11.5) | United States Women won by 7 wickets |
| Mon, Apr 27 2026 | 13th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Italy Women 123-7 (20) | Rwanda Women 126-4 (19.3) | Rwanda Women won by 6 wickets |
| Mon, Apr 27 2026 | 14th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | United States Women 162-4 (20) | Vanuatu Women 90-8 (20) | United States Women won by 72 runs |
| Tue, Apr 28 2026 | 15th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Nepal Women 103-7 (20) | Rwanda Women 65 (17.4) | Nepal Women won by 38 runs |
| Tue, Apr 28 2026 | 16th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Vanuatu Women 153-2 (20) | Italy Women 96-4 (11.5) | Italy Women won by 8 runs, DLS method |
| Thu, Apr 30 2026 | 17th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Italy Women 99-8 (20) | United States Women 101-1 (16.1) | United States Women won by 9 wickets |
| Thu, Apr 30 2026 | 18th Match | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City | Nepal Women 132-3 (20) | Vanuatu Women 49 (16.4) | Nepal Women won by 83 runs |
| Fri, May 1 2026 | 19th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | United States Women 62-4 (15.3) | Rwanda Women | No result due to rain |
| Fri, May 1 2026 | 20th Match | Gahanga B Ground, Kigali City | Italy Women 36-6 (7) | Nepal Women 40-2 (3.3) | Nepal Women won by 8 wickets |
What Are the ICC T20I Rankings of the Competing Teams?
The five teams enter the tournament with relatively close T20I rankings, making this one of the most competitive associate level women’s events of 2026. Nepal hold a slight edge as the highest ranked side.
| Rank | Team | T20I Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Nepal | Highest ranked in tournament |
| 23 | Italy | — |
| 24 | USA | — |
| 25 | Rwanda | Host nation |
| 30 | Vanuatu | Lowest ranked in tournament |
What Are the Announced Squads for the Tournament?
Only Italy and Nepal have confirmed their final squads so far, with Rwanda, USA, and Vanuatu expected to announce closer to the tournament start. Both announced squads feature a strong mix of experienced leaders and rising talent.
Italy Women’s Squad
Italy are led by captain Emilia Bartram with Dilaisha Nanayakkara serving as vice captain. The squad blends European and Sri Lankan origin players giving Italy technical depth across batting, spin, and pace departments.
Squad: Emilia Bartram (C), Dilaisha Nanayakkara (VC), Teshani Araliya, Nimesha Ekanayake, Ishara Jayamannage, Pasindi Kanankege, Alexia Kontopirakis, Chathurika Mahamalage, Sadalee Malwatta, Emma Moore, Kumudu Peddrick, Amaya Rajapaksha, Methnara Rathnayake (WK), Ilenia Sims, Sonia Toffoletto
Nepal Women’s Squad
Captain Indu Barma leads Nepal with Puja Mahato as vice captain. As the highest ranked side in the tournament, Nepal carry the responsibility of favourites and bring a well balanced squad across all departments.
Squad: Indu Barma (C), Puja Mahato (VC), Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Rubi Poddar, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bist, Anu Kadayat, Manisha Upadhyaya, Rubina Chhetri, Rachana Chaudhary
Rwanda, USA, and Vanuatu Women’s Squads
The remaining three teams have not yet announced their final squads. Updates will follow once the host nation Rwanda, USA, and Vanuatu confirm their selections closer to the April 18 opener.
Details of the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium
The primary venue hosts half of the tournament’s matches and stands as a landmark in African cricket development. Built as Rwanda’s first purpose built international cricket ground, it reflects the country’s growing commitment to the sport.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Gahanga International Cricket Stadium |
| Also Known As | Kicukiro Oval, Rwanda Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Kigali, Rwanda |
| Established | 2011 (completed 2017) |
| Capacity | 10,000 |
| Significance | Rwanda’s first dedicated international cricket ground |
The Gahanga International Cricket Stadium sits on the outskirts of Kigali and has played a key role in promoting cricket across East Africa. Completed in 2017, the venue features modern facilities, scenic surroundings, and a strong community development focus. The second venue, Gahanga B Ground, is an adjacent practice and match surface used for associate level events.
Where to Watch the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Live?
Fans across India and most international markets can stream every match on FanCode with dedicated coverage of all 20 fixtures.
| Region | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|
| India & Global | FanCode |
| Rwanda | Local broadcasters (TBC) |
| Other Regions | FanCode |
FanCode holds streaming rights for the complete tournament. Viewers can watch live action, scores, and highlights on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The platform offers a simple, convenient way to follow every match from the double header opening day to the final round on May 1.
Also Read:
Why Does the ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Matter?
The tournament represents a major step forward for associate women’s cricket with ICC T20I status ensuring every match carries ranking implications. Each result directly impacts the competing teams’ global standings.
- All 20 matches carry full ICC T20I status with ranking points at stake
- Cross continental competition brings together teams from Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America
- Rwanda hosting showcases the growing cricket infrastructure in East Africa
- Development pathway gives associate nations competitive international exposure
- Preparation value ahead of future ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers
- 14 days of back to back cricket allows teams to find rhythm and build combinations
Frequently Asked Questions
The tournament begins on April 18, 2026 with Rwanda vs Italy at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium.
Five teams — Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, USA, and Vanuatu — play in a double round robin format.
20 matches over 14 days with daily double headers in the morning and afternoon sessions.
Nepal at rank 21 in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, followed by Italy (23), USA (24), Rwanda (25), and Vanuatu (30).
All matches stream exclusively on FanCode App and Website for Indian viewers.
Morning matches start at 12:30 PM IST and afternoon matches at 5:20 PM IST.
