Botswana and Kenya are set to go head-to-head in the opener of the 8-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier. The game is slated for the 2nd of September at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone, at 1:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Botswana – Laura Mophakedi (C), Shameelah Mosweu, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Tuelo Shadrack, Oratile Kgeresi, Goabilwe Matome, Florence Samanyika, Merapelo Phiase, Pako Mapotsane, Botho Freeman, Bontle Madibame, Botsogo Mpedi, Goitseone Setshwane, Wendy Moutswi
Kenya – Tiara Charity Muthoni, Daisy Njoroge, Venasa Ooko Adihambo, Judith Ogolla, Kreeshna Mehta, Mercy Sifuna, Mary Mwangi, Queentor Abel, Melvin Idambo, Esther Wachira, Flavia Odhiambo, Lavendah Idambo, Josephine Abwom, Kelvia Achieno
Players to watch out:
Laura Mophakedi
The 25-year-old keeper-batter, in 40 Twenty20 International (T20I) outings, has scored 447 runs, with her best being 38. Laura’s most recent outing was in the Kwibuka T20 Tournament in June, and following a season of starts, she’ll be looking to spend more time in the middle.
Florence Samanyika
The 22-year-old batting all-rounder in T20Is, in 38 innings with the bat, has accumulated 502 runs, and in 29 bowling innings, has bagged 25 wickets. Florence put on strong performances in the 2023 Kwibuka Tournament, contributing consistently with both the bat and the ball. She also rewrote her career-best figures, 41 with the bat and 4/16 with the ball during the season.
Venasa Ooko
The 25-year-old batter, in 37 T20I outings with the bat, has amassed 436 runs and achieved a personal best of 57*. Venasa’s most recent game was also at the 5-team 2023 Kwibuka Tournament, which took place in June. Her form experienced a slight dip in the tournament, as she struggled to convert her starts.
Queentor Abel
The 25-year-old all-rounder, in 38 T20Is, has racked up 786 runs, including the best of 60*, and has taken 46 wickets, with her best being a fifer (5/18). Queentor had a decent run in the Kwibuka Tournament, recording scores of 51*, 40, and 60*, while in the remaining games, she departed cheaply. However, she consistently registered economical bowling spells.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone, poses challenges for batters due to its pace-friendly nature, leading to an average score of 96. Batters will need to apply themselves thoroughly to succeed on this demanding track.
Weather:
With light winds, a humidity level of 19%, and a temperature in the late 20s, the conditions promise a complete game of cricket. The chances of rain are minimal, and the overhead is forecasted to be mostly sunny.
Fantasy playing XI:
Laura Mophakedi, Tiara Charity Muthoni, Daisy Njoroge, Venasa Ooko Adihambo, Oratile Kgeresi, Florence Samanyika, Mary Mwangi, Queentor Abel, Shameelah Mosweu, Flavia Odhiambo, Lavendah Idambo
Match details:
Date – September 2, 2023
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone
Broadcast – All games of the tournament will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.