Cricket team left licking wounds

So near: Botswana narrowly lost to Tanzania in the decider
So near: Botswana narrowly lost to Tanzania in the decider

Botswana cricket was left ruing another missed chance after the men’s senior side agonisingly went close to booking a space in the global qualifiers for the 2023 T20 World Cup qualifiers.

Pitted in what appeared an easy group against Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Mozambique, there were also no traditional irritants like Namibia, Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. Botswana were the favourites, entering the tournament held in Rwanda as the top-ranked nation at number 36. Tanzania are ranked at number 37 while Sierra Leone are 61, with Mozambique placed at number 73. Cameroon are outside the ranked 90 countries. Joseph Angara’s charges expected to beat Sierra Leone in the first match, winning by 72 runs. They followed it up with another routine win over Cameroon, a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.

The third contest against Mozambique was tighter than the first two, with Botswana recording a 52 run victory. With Tanzania also winning against the weaker opponents, it was down to the decider against Botswana. The boys in blue, black and white managed to bowl out Tanzania for 143 in with a ball to spare in the 20 overs. The game went down to the wire largely due to the heroics of Thatayaone Tshose and Phemelo Silas. Needing 21 off the last over, Tshose dragged Botswana into the contest with 17 runs from five balls. It meant Tshose had to find the boundary with the last ball but was caught on the boundary attempting to get the team over the line.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up