As we look at the lower half of the table, this match is a significant opportunity for both sides to find some late pride in the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026. Lesotho Women currently sit in 5th place with one win to their name and 2 points. It’s been a tough road for them, as evidenced by their -4.571 NRR. However, they are still in a better position than Zambia Women, who are rooted to the bottom of the standings. Zambia has struggled to get off the mark, losing all five of their matches so far. For them, this game isn’t just about points—it’s about finally getting that elusive first W on the board.

Squads:
Lesotho Women’s Cricket Team
Kananelo Mabitle, Kananelo Molapo, Makopano Mabathoana, Nthatuoa Thekiso, Tshepang Khabo, Maneo Nyabela, Tanki Ramabitsa, Thato Mahe, Paballo Pheko, Thandi Kobeli, Boitumelo Phelenyane, Boitumelo Tlali, Mosa Tsemane, Ret’sepile Limema
Zambia Women’s Cricket Team
Abigail Kayuni, Esther Mata, Esther Mulenga, Filo Chenda, Josephine Chisoba, Majory Kasongo, Mercy Ngulube, Mutale Kachingo, Nancy Chisuba, Patience Chabuta, Peggy Munsanda, Racheka Simuu, Rosemary Chanda, Tamara Banda, Vivian Mwansa
Players to watch out:
Boitumelo Tlali
Boitumelo has been the spearhead of the Lesotho bowling unit, leading from the front with 7 wickets in 5 matches. Her best figures of 4/10 were a highlight of her tournament, demonstrating her ability to run through a middle order. Though she has bowled 18 overs, she has kept things relatively tight with an economy of 5.22, often creating the pressure needed for wickets at the other end.
Kananelo Molapo
Kananelo has been a consistent contributor for Lesotho, showing grit at the crease in several low-scoring encounters. She has managed 45 runs in her 5 appearances, including a resilient 29 not out that helped her side push for a competitive total. While she is still looking for a massive breakout score, her 11.25 average reflects the tough conditions she has often batted in.
Nancy Chabula
As a central figure for Zambia, Nancy has carried a heavy workload with the ball, consistently delivering tidy spells in the powerplay. Her standout moment came against Botswana, where she claimed 3 for 25, proving she has the knack for breaking dangerous partnerships. She has shown great fighting spirit throughout the tournament, often being the go-to bowler to dry up the runs and keep the pressure on the chasing side.
Filo Chenda
Filo has shown flashes of resilience as a key part of the Zambian batting lineup during this challenging campaign. While her highest score of 5 against Brazil might look modest on paper, her ability to stay at the crease under immense pressure has been vital for her team’s structure. She continues to find her feet at the international level, contributing both as a right-handed batter and a medium-pace option when the captain needs to rotate the bowlers.
Pitch:
While it shares the same foundational soil as its neighbor, Oval 2 is often the more temperamental and spin-friendly of the two. It typically plays slightly slower and lower than Oval 1, which allows spinners to find genuine grip and turn as the match progresses.
Weather:
Expect a high of 28°C and a low of 17°C with partly sunny skies during the day and a 10% chance of rain. The conditions promise a complete and uninterrupted game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Kananelo Mabitle, Kananelo Molapo, Makopano Mabathoana, Maneo Nyabela, Boitumelo Phelenyane, Ret’sepile Limema, Filo Chenda, Josephine Chisoba, Nancy Chisuba, Tamara Banda, Vivian Mwansa
Match Details:
Date – April 11, 2026
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.

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