In the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, Malawi continued their clinical run with a dominant 70-run victory over Sierra Leone. It was a game defined by a composed batting performance from Malawi and a subsequent bowling masterclass that saw Sierra Leone’s chase unravel in less than ten overs. From start to finish, Malawi looked like the more balanced side, exerting pressure and never letting their opponents find a foothold in the contest.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Malawi set out to build a competitive total on the Entebbe Cricket Oval. The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Angela Lumbe, who played a patient and calculated knock. She remained unbeaten on 46 off 57 balls, showing great composure as wickets fell around her. Her ability to hold one end shut allowed Malawi to reach a respectable 110/7 in their full 20 overs, a total that felt worth much more on a tricky surface.
Sierra Leone’s bowlers did put up a fight early on to keep the scoring rate in check. Isha Bangura was the pick of the attack, delivering a brilliant spell of 3 for 8 in her four overs. Her disciplined line and length caused constant problems for the Malawi middle order, ensuring the target remained within reach—at least on paper. However, the lack of support at the other end meant Malawi could still scrap their way to a triple-digit score.
The second half of the match, however, belonged entirely to the Malawi bowlers. Chasing 111, Sierra Leone needed a steady start, but they were met with a fierce opening spell. The pressure was relentless, and the Sierra Leone batters struggled to cope with the accuracy of the attack. They were eventually bundled out for just 40 runs in a mere 9.4 overs, a collapse that effectively ended the game as a contest before it truly began.
Esther Richard was the chief destroyer for Malawi, turning the game into a highlight reel for her bowling. She ripped through the lineup to claim 4 wickets for 16 runs in her four-over quota. Her performance was a mix of pace and precision that Sierra Leone simply had no answer for. Only Theresa Tommy managed to show some resistance, top scoring for her side with a gritty 16 off 23 balls, but she lacked the partners to mount a real challenge.
This victory was a significant statement for Malawi, further solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in the division. For her unbeaten 46 that set the foundation for the win, Angela Lumbe was deservedly named the Player of the Match. While Malawi moves forward with high confidence, Sierra Leone will be looking to quickly regroup and find more consistency with the bat in their upcoming fixtures.
Loves all things female cricket