Lesotho Women produced a spirited all-round performance to outclass Zambia Women in the 21st Match of the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026, also securing their place in the Plate Final, with a combination of resilient batting and disciplined bowling ensuring a comprehensive victory.
The innings began on a cautious note for Lesotho Women as they faced early setbacks. Kananello Molapo was trapped lbw for 3 at just 1/6 in 2.2 overs, followed soon after by Paballo Pheko, who managed only 2 runs before falling at 2/12 in 3.4 overs. The early breakthroughs by Zambia’s bowlers, particularly Patience Chabuta and Mwake Kachingo, put Lesotho under pressure right from the start. Boitumelo Tlali also couldn’t settle, departing for a duck as Lesotho slipped further to 3/13 in 4.1 overs.
With the top order struggling, a crucial rebuilding phase was initiated by Tshepang Khabo and skipper Maneo Nyabela. The duo stitched together the most significant partnership of the innings, adding 46 runs for the fourth wicket. Khabo anchored the innings with a composed 31 off 40 balls, while Nyabela contributed a patient 18 off 36 deliveries. Their stand steadied the innings and helped Lesotho recover from early damage before Nyabela was dismissed at 59 in 14.5 overs.
Despite the foundation, Lesotho lost wickets at regular intervals in the latter half. Boitumelo Phlenyane fell without scoring, and though Lerato Mating (7* off 10) and Mosenyehi Mohapi (8 off 8) tried to push the scoring, the team continued to lose wickets, eventually reaching 96/7 in their 20 overs. Extras played a significant role, contributing 27 runs to the total.
Zambia Women’s bowling effort was well distributed, with multiple contributors making an impact. Nancy Chabula was particularly effective, picking up 2 wickets for 15 runs in her four overs, while Mwake Kachingo also claimed 2 wickets for 20 runs. Rithika Sriram chipped in with 1/23, and Patience Chabuta maintained control with 1/8, ensuring Lesotho never ran away with the game.
Chasing a modest target of 97, Zambia Women struggled to find any rhythm against a disciplined Lesotho bowling attack. The innings began steadily but lacked momentum, with Filo Chenda scoring 14 off 38 balls before being dismissed at 1/32 in 12.4 overs. The slow scoring rate created mounting pressure, and the required rate soon climbed beyond reach.
Vivian Mwansa tried to hold one end together with a patient unbeaten 8 off 62 balls, but the lack of strike rotation and boundaries severely hampered the chase. Peggy Munsanda contributed 5 runs before falling at 2/42 in 18.1 overs, and captain Nancy Chabula was dismissed for a duck soon after, leaving Zambia at 3/42 in 18.2 overs.
Lesotho’s bowlers were exceptional in maintaining tight lines and building pressure throughout the innings. Maneo Nyabela led from the front with an outstanding spell of 2/8 in 4 overs, breaking key partnerships and controlling the flow of runs. Lindliwe Polaki also made an impact with 1/12, while Boitumelo Tlali and Boitumelo Phlenyane bowled economically, conceding just 6 and 12 runs respectively in their spells. Retsepile Limema added further control with her tidy 4-over spell, giving away only 9 runs.
Zambia eventually finished at 48/3 in their 20 overs, falling well short by 48 runs. The match was defined by Lesotho’s ability to recover through partnerships after early setbacks and their bowlers’ relentless pressure that never allowed Zambia to settle.
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