Zambia, led by skipper Nancy Chabula, were up against Lesotho, led by skipper Maneo Nyabela, at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone, on 7th April in the 7th match of the ongoing Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026.
Lesotho skipper Maneo Nyabela won the toss and opted to bowl first. The move eventually proved to be a masterstroke as her bowling unit, comprising off the likes of Boitumelo Tlali (4-1-4-2), Boitumelo Phelenyane (4-0-12-2), skipper Maneo Nyabela leading from the front with sensational match figures (4-1-7-1), alongside Bonolo Mosoaboli (4-0-13-0), delivered a killer blow by restricting Zambia to just 56/6 in their quota of 20 overs.
While Lesotho chipped away with regular wickets, they were also lacking a bit of a discipline in the lines and lengths as they leaked as many as 18 extras, which played a crucial role in pushing the Zambian total past the 50-run mark. Mercy Nguni 12* (44 balls) was the only batter to enter the double digits with the bat for Zambia.
The 22-run partnership for the 4th wicket between Mercy Nguni and Mwake Kachingo was the highest partnership of the innings for Zambia.
Chasing a target of 54, the Lesotho openers Kananelo Molapo and the wicket-keeper batter Paballo Pheko (4 off 10 balls) got their side off to a steady start with a 19-run opening partnership. Mercy Nguni cleaned up Paballo Pheko in the 3rd over of the run chase to provide the first breakthrough for Zambia.
Tshepang Khabo couldn’t get off the mark as she was dismissed in one of the rarest of fashions in the form of a hit-wicket, providing the 2nd breakthrough against the run of play for the opposition in the 5th over of the run chase.
Boitumelo Tlali (9* off 7 balls) joined the opening batter Kananelo Molapo (29* off 27 balls, including a couple of boundaries) at the crease, and the duo guided their side over the line with an unbeaten 28-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. As a result, they registered their first victory of the tournament by clinching the clash by 8 wickets in hand and 74 balls to spare.
Mercy Nguni (2-0-7-1) and Mwake Kachingo (2-0-17-1) were the only wicket-takers with the ball for Zambia, while skipper Nancy Chabula (2-0-11-0) was impressive with the ball for her side. Boitumelo Tlali was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant all-round contributions, playing a crucial role in getting Lesotho off the mark in the ongoing edition of the tournament.
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