Match 19 of the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 offered a different kind of battle—a low-scoring scrap where Malawi’s bowling depth ultimately overwhelmed Zambia. After setting a modest target of 87, Malawi’s bowlers stepped up to defend it with aggression, eventually securing a comfortable 53-run victory. It was a game defined by disciplined lines and a Zambian batting unit that struggled to handle the pressure of a chase.
Malawi won the toss and chose to bat first, but they found the going tough on a pitch that offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers. They were bowled out for 86 runs in exactly 20 overs. Praise Maziya was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a vital 22 off 43 balls, a knock that proved to be the backbone of their innings when others were falling around here.
Zambia’s bowlers actually did a fantastic job of keeping themselves in the hunt. Nancy Chabula led the way with 3 for 17, while Patience Chabuta chipped in with a tidy 2 for 12. At the halfway mark, with Malawi failing to cross the 90-run mark, Zambia likely felt they had a genuine shot at an upset.
However, the second half of the game belonged entirely to Malawi’s bowlers. Zambia’s chase never got off the ground, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually skittled for just 33 runs in 14 overs. The pressure applied by the opening bowlers was relentless, and the Zambian batters had no answer for the accuracy on display. Four batters dismissed for duck, highest of 5 from Rosemary Chanda’s bat.
Praise Maziya capped off a brilliant all-round day by taking 3 wickets for just 4 runs, earning herself the Player of the Match honors. Sungeni Kananji was equally destructive, claiming 3 for 9. This win solidified Malawi’s reputation as a team that can defend small totals, while Zambia was left reflecting on a missed opportunity after such a disciplined start with the ball.
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