The Plate Final of the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 will feature Malawi battling against Lesotho in the Plate Final at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone.
Malawi, led by skipper Sophina Chinawa, won five games and lost a couple in their campaign so far. The leadership mantle for the side shifted to Euless Chiralile, and they defeated Zambia, led by skipper Nancy Chabula, by 53 runs in the 19th match of the tournament on 10th April 2026 to book their spot in the final. Lesotho, led by skipper Maneo Nyabela, defeated Zambia, led by skipper Nancy Chabula, by 48 runs to book their spot in the Plate Final from 5:30 PM IST.
Lesotho won just a couple of games, to go along with five losses, as a result, they have been scratchy in their campaign so far.
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
Malawi Women’s Cricket Team
Alinafe Alfonso, Euless Chiralile, Febbe Malefula, Sophina Chinawa (C), Triphonia Luka, Esther Richard, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Tadala Mpandakwaya, Praise Maziya, Christina Bwanali, Eva Kabwere, Ketrina Chingaipe, Lucy Malino
Players to watch out:
Sugeni Kananji
Sugeni Kananji has been a standout all-rounder for Malawi in the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament 2026, joint second-highest wicket-taker for her side with 11 scalps from seven matches at a stellar average of 7.54 and economy of 3.32, matching Lucy Malino’s haul. With the bat, the 20-year-old right-hander has chipped in 76 runs across six innings in seven games, striking at a brisk 116.92 with an average of 15.20. Her dual impact makes her a key player in Malawi’s campaign.
Praise Maziya
Praise Maziya has been Malawi’s standout all-rounder in the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament 2026, leading her side’s bowling attack with 12 wickets from seven matches at a remarkable average of 5.75 and economy of 3.13, placing her joint second overall alongside Brazil’s Maria Ribeiro. With the bat, the right-hander has contributed a steady 63 runs across six innings in seven games, boasting a strike rate of 50 and an average of 21. Her balanced prowess makes her indispensable to Malawi’s Plate Final push.
Kananelo Molapo
Kananelo Molapo has provided steady batting contributions for Lesotho in the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament 2026, scoring 51 runs across seven innings to anchor the middle order. Overall, in the T20I format, the right-hander has amassed 151 runs in 21 matches from 21 innings, maintaining a strike rate of 50 and an average of 7.55. Her reliability offers Lesotho a platform in crunch situations.
Boitumelo Tlali
Boitumelo Tlali has been a vital all-round contributor for Lesotho in the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament 2026, scoring 27 runs across seven innings with the bat to provide lower-order stability. With the ball, she has claimed 7 wickets in seven outings at an average of 15.42 and economy of 4.40, highlighted by a standout four-wicket haul. Her versatility bolsters Lesotho’s balanced attack in the Plate Final.
Pitch:
The Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2 in Gaborone typically plays as a spin-friendly and low-scoring venue as compared to Oval 1. A dry, dusty and abrasive surface, meaning the conditions will assist the spinners. The ball will not come onto the bat, challenging the batter’s technique.
Weather:
The conditions see a warm daytime high of 28-31°C under hazy sunshine and clear skies set an ideal stage, with low humidity (10-50%) and negligible rain risk (0-4% chance, 0mm). Light northeast winds at 9-15 km/h ensure a batter’s paradise and seamless cricket action.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sugeni Kananji, Euless Chiralile, Sophina Chinawa, Praise Maziya, Lucy Malino, Kananelo Mabitle, Kananelo Molapo, Maneo Nyabela, Boitumelo Tlali, Christina Bwanali, Tshepang Khabo
Match Details:
Date – April 11, 2026
Time – 5:30 PM IST
Venue – Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone
Broadcast – The FanCode app and website will be live-streaming the game.
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