Goabilwe Matome played a crucial knock as she dragged Botswana to 124-5 in their allotted 20overs against Malawi at the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 qualifier.
Malawi who won the toss, need 125 for victory in this must win encounter, and will need to go at more than six balls per over to reach the target. At one stage, it looked unlikely Botswana will post more than 100, after being 60-4 in the 12th over.
It was a difficult start for the hosts who lost the opening pair of Shameela Mosweu and Amantle Mokgotlhe in quick succession. But captain Laura Mophakedi arrived at the crease to steady the innings with a 40-ball 30. After the skipper's departure, Matome took matters into her own hands as she punished the Malawian bowlers and some sloppy fielding, particularly at the death. Matome's knock of 41 from 35 balls will give Botswana belief as they eye a place in the semi finals.
