The ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 runs from April 18 to May 1 across two venues in Gahanga, Kigali, Rwanda. Five teams — Rwanda, Italy, Nepal, USA, and Vanuatu — compete in a double round robin format featuring 20 matches over 14 days.
All games are held at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium and the Gahanga B Ground with daily double headers at 12:30 PM IST and 5:20 PM IST. The tournament brings together teams from Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, offering strong international diversity for associate women’s cricket.
Nepal enter as the highest ranked side at 21 in the ICC T20I rankings, closely followed by Italy (23), USA (24), and hosts Rwanda (25). All matches stream live on FanCode globally.
ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Overview
A quick look at the key tournament details covers everything fans need to know before the first ball is bowled on April 18.
| 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) |
Complete ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy 2026 Schedule
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 | Day | Match | Teams | Venue | IST | Local |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 18 | Saturday | 1 | Rwanda vs Italy | Gahanga International | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 18 | Saturday | 2 | Nepal vs USA | Gahanga International | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 19 | Sunday | 3 | Rwanda vs Vanuatu | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 19 | Sunday | 4 | Italy vs Nepal | Gahanga B Ground | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 21 | Tuesday | 5 | Rwanda vs USA | Gahanga International | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 21 | Tuesday | 6 | Vanuatu vs Italy | Gahanga International | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 22 | Wednesday | 7 | Rwanda vs Nepal | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 22 | Wednesday | 8 | USA vs Vanuatu | Gahanga B Ground | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 24 | Friday | 9 | Nepal vs Vanuatu | Gahanga International | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 24 | Friday | 10 | Italy vs USA | Gahanga International | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 26 | Sunday | 11 | Rwanda vs Vanuatu | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 26 | Sunday | 12 | USA vs Nepal | Gahanga B Ground | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 27 | Monday | 13 | Rwanda vs Italy | Gahanga International | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 27 | Monday | 14 | USA vs Vanuatu | Gahanga International | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 28 | Tuesday | 15 | Rwanda vs Nepal | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 28 | Tuesday | 16 | Italy vs Vanuatu | Gahanga B Ground | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| Apr 30 | Thursday | 17 | Italy vs USA | Gahanga International | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| Apr 30 | Thursday | 18 | Nepal vs Vanuatu | Gahanga International | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
| May 1 | Friday | 19 | Rwanda vs USA | Gahanga B Ground | 12:30 PM | 9:00 AM |
| May 1 | Friday | 20 | Italy vs Nepal | Gahanga B Ground | 5:20 PM | 1:50 PM |
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.
