After securing a decisive 173-run victory over Lesotho in their T20 World Cup campaign, the women's cricket team faces a decisive match today against Malawi at the Botswana Cricket (BCA) Oval.
The first ball will be bowled at 2pm and the winner will secure a spot in the semi-finals. Botswana is the host nation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Division 2 Africa qualifier, featuring eight teams.
Alongside the hosts are Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Cameroon. The tournament started on Saturday and saw the teams split into two groups. Botswana pitted against Kenya, Malawi, and Lesotho, opened its campaign with a heavy 111-run defeat to Kenya but rebounded with a victory over Lesotho on Sunday.
Kenya tops the standings and has been the dominant team in the group, following their win over Botswana with a comfortable seven-wicket victory against Malawi. Lesotho, on the other hand, has struggled in the group, suffering significant defeats in its initial matches.
The team is set to face Kenya later today. Malawi beat Lesotho by 136 runs, setting the stage for a crucial match between Botswana and Malawi to determine which team will advance to the semi-finals. Following a win against Lesotho, both coach Stanley Timoni and captain Laura Mophakedi emphasised the importance of a clinical showing against Malawi. "Besides the win, we are not relaxing. We have a tough match against Malawi on Tuesday and we need to execute our basics right," Timoni remarked after the demolition of Lesotho.
Teams
Botswana: Laura Mophakedi, Shameelah Mosweu, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Tuelo Shadrack, Oratile Kgeresi, Goabilwe Matome, Florence Samanyika, Merapelo Phiase, Pako Mapotsane, Botho Freeman, Thapelo Modise, Bontle Madimabe, Goitseone Setshwane, and Wendy Moutswi
Malawi: Praise Maziya, Febbe Malefula, Triphonia Luka, Lidia Dimba, Sungeni Kananji, Alinafe Alfonso, Tadala Mpakwaya, Mercy Kudimba, Ketrina Chingaipe, Nellie Gamaliyele, Lucy Malino, Vannesa Phiri, Mary Mabvuka, and Sophina Chinawa
