Botswana, Namibia headed for T20 showdown
Mqondisi Dube | Friday November 2, 2018 13:36
The two countries, were, heading into Thursday and Friday fixtures, unbeaten on six points, and are virtually guaranteed the two places at the next stage of the qualifiers to be held in Uganda next year.
Botswana will be looking to finish top after an impressive start to the competition, although there was a little scare against Malawi on Tuesday afternoon.
Malawi went within 15 runs of victory, as they almost chased down Botswana’s total of 158.
Other than that, Botswana has been comfortable; winning convincingly against Mozambique and St Helena.
The same goes for Namibia who has been equally ruthless, including posting the tournament’s highest score of 229, before yesterday’s matches.
This sets the stage for what should be a mouthwatering encounter, with the first ball being bowled at 10:30am.
Botswana has potential match winners in captain Karabo Motlhanka who has led from the front with the bat.
Nabil Master can be devastating with the ball, while veteran, James Moses is a reliable all rounder.While the Namibians are strong, Botswana coach, Joseph Angara believes the hosts have a capable bowling attack, which can defend a decent total.
“We need to bat well and score above 180. If we put the runs on the board, we have a good bowling attack,” Angara said.
He acknowledged that the Namibians are streets ahead of Botswana, with much more experience, but believes, with the right application, anything is possible tomorrow.
“They are the strongest, they are definitely a step ahead of us. But we are going to be as positive,” he said.
In their three matches before the break on Wednesday, the bowling attack had demonstrated that it is capable of defending any total.
Only Malawi managed to go past the 100 mark against Botswana in the first three games, with St Helena (63) and Mozambique (49), feeling the brute force of the hosts’ stingy bowlers.
The Namibians are equally dangerous with the ball, preferring to put their opponents in a spin with the slow bowlers.
A decent crowd is expected for the decisive match.