Botswana women cricket falls short against dominant Brazil
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday April 14, 2026 10:57
The week-long tournament featuring six nations, came to a close on Saturday, with Brazil emerging as the winners, leaving Botswana to take the silver medal.
It was a hit-and-miss start for Botswana as the women fell to Brazil in the opening fixture on Monday and also suffered a shock defeat to Mozambique on the second day.
However, the hosts then stitched together a winning run which earned them a final against a Brazil side that swept all opponents aside.
The six nations, Botswana, Brazil, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia played each other twice, with the top two sides progressing to Saturday's final.
Botswana suffered two defeats heading into the final, while Brazil remained undefeated throughout the course of the tournament.
With Botswana looking to atone for two defeats against the South Americans, the final was expected to explored, and it did, albeit through a low scoring affair.
Batting first, Botswana only managed 37, bundled all out in just just 11.1 overs. The crowd thought Brazil would then coast to victory, but Botswana made a fight of it, with Tuelo Shadrack taking four wickets in her four overs as the South Americans stuttered.
In the end, they managed to cross the line, scoring 38 for the loss of seven wickets.
Brazil coach, Lee Booth said it was a worthwhile experience to take part in the Kalahari tournament, praising the quality in Botswana's side.
'It is a great opportunity. We do not get to play many games in South America so coming to Botswana, lots of games, is a really good opportunity for us,' Booth said.
Botswana coach, Stanley Timoni said he was satisfied with how the girls had responded after a slow start to the tournament.
Meanwhile, the tournament witnessed a historic moment when Brazilian bowler, Laura Cardoso became the first player to take a nine wicket haul in a T20 international.
Cardoso achieved the feat against Lesotho when she returned figures of nine wickets from three overs, which included two maidens and a hat trick.