For match no. 8 of the ongoing 2023 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, Cameroon and Eswatini will go head-to-head at Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone, on the 3rd of September, 2023, at 5:20 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Drawn in group B alongside Mozambique and Sierra Leone, both Cameroon and Eswatini suffered defeats in their respective opening games.
Squads:
Cameroon – Cynerah Mboe, Elsa Kana Souna, Sonita Abang Akenji, Abele Tchouabo Mbieleu, Michele Ekani Ngono, Sandra Annie Nono, Madeleine Nseke Sissako, Tomelele Mika Rene, Bernadette Aboui Mbida, Brenda Waluma, Clemence Manidom, Maeva Douma Debora, Marguerite Bessala, Olive Ranedoumoun
Eswatini – Winile Ginindza, Ntombizonke Mkhatshwa (WK), Samkelisiwe Mabuza, Abahle Nyirenda, Tibusiso Dlamini, Tenele Malinga, Nothando Mabila, Lihle Thobela, Nkosingiphile Mamba, Ntombizodwa Mkhatshwa, Mbali Dlamini, Dumsile Dlamini, Lindokuhle Mamba, Nokwethu Simelane
Players to watch out:
Michele Ekani Ngono
The 30-year-old keeper-batter, in 10 T20Is, has scored 49 runs and has also picked up 4 wickets in 4 bowling innings. Michele hasn’t found much success with the bat of late, but it shouldn’t be surprising if she manages to register some match-winning scores in this tournament, looking to better upon her score of 8 from the opener and her career-best of 14.
Bernadette Aboui Mbida
The 16-year-old has played in 10 T20Is and has accumulated 68 runs. With her best bowling performance being 2/11, she has taken 5 wickets in total. Bernadette is currently in fine form with the ball, as evidenced by her recent figures of 1/16, 2/35, 2/17, 0/26, and 0/9. With a career-best score of 33 from earlier this year, Bernadette also promises contributions with the bat.
Mbali Dlamini
The 21-year-old has played in 12 T20I matches, scoring 64 runs and bagging 6 wickets. While she has struggled with the bat, her performances with the ball have been noteworthy. In her previous 5 outings, she recorded figures of 1/21, 1/40, 3/25, 1/19, and 0/19. If Mbali can find her form with the bat and convert her starts, she has the potential to be an excellent young all-rounder for the side.
Ntombizonke Mkhatshwa
The 27-year-old pacer in 10 T20Is has struck 11 wickets, although she has been slightly expensive with an economy rate of 7.47. She has also contributed with the bat, adding 31 runs to the tally. Ntombizonke started her campaign on a high note, producing impressive figures of 3/24 (4) against Mozambique in the opener.
Pitch:
The 22 yards at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone, make up a highly advantageous surface for bowlers, particularly the pacers who excel in these conditions. The pitch poses significant challenges for batters, resulting in an average score of 85.
Weather:
With the temperature forecasted to be in the early 30s, it will be a warm and sunny day at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone. Moderate winds, humidity at 16%, and very low chances of rain make it a good day to be at the cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Michele Ekani Ngono, Ntombizonke Mkhatshwa, Winile Ginindza, Clemence Manidom, Tibusiso Dlamini, Madeleine Nseke Sissako, Bernadette Aboui Mbida, Mbali Dlamini, Nothando Mabila, Samkelisiwe Mabuza, Abele Tchouabo Mbieleu
Match details:
Date – September 3, 2023
Time – 5:20 PM IST
Venue – Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone
Broadcast – All games of the tournament will be live-streamed on ICC.TV and the FanCode app and website.