As the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 nears its business end, Lesotho Women are languishing in fifth place. With only one win from five games, their campaign has been a tough uphill battle, hampered significantly by a struggling NRR of -4.571 that reflects their difficulty in staying competitive against the top-tier sides. On the other hand, Malawi Women, find themselves in a mid-table scrap. Occupying the fourth spot with two wins and two losses from four games, they are currently clinging to a neutral-to-negative NRR of -0.970. For Malawi, this fixture isn’t just about points; it’s about survival in the race for the knockouts.
Squads:
Malawi Women’s Cricket Team
Alinafe Alfonso, Euless Chilarile, Febbe Malefula, Sophina Chinawa, Triphonia Luka, Esther Richard, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Tadala Mpandakwaya, Praise Maziya, Christina Bwanali, Eva Kabwere, Ketrina Chingaipe, Lucy Malino
Lesotho Women’s Cricket Team
Kananelo Mabitle, Kananelo Molapo, Makopano Mabathoana, Nthatuoa Thekiso, Tshepang Khabo, Maneo Nyabela, Tanki Ramabitsa, Thato Mahe, Paballo Pheko, Thandi Kobeli, Boitumelo Phelenyane, Boitumelo Tlali, Mosa Tsemane, Ret’sepile Limema
Players to watch out:
Sugeni Kananji
Sugeni has been a reliable middle-order presence for Malawi, often tasked with steadying the ship during difficult periods. Across 4 matches, she has scored 72 runs with a best of 40, striking the ball at a healthy 126.31. She has already sent 12 deliveries to the fence, making her a key player to watch when Malawi looks to accelerate their scoring.
Kananelo Molapo
Kananelo has been a consistent contributor for Lesotho, showing grit at the crease in several low-scoring encounters. She has managed 45 runs in her 5 appearances, including a resilient 29 not out that helped her side push for a competitive total. While she is still looking for a massive breakout score, her 11.25 average reflects the tough conditions she has often batted in.
Lucy Malino
Lucy has shouldered a heavy workload for Malawi’s bowling attack, consistently bowling her full quota of overs with great discipline. She has picked up 7 wickets so far with a best of 4/3, maintaining a very tidy economy rate of 3.93 across 16 overs. Her ability to bowl maiden overs under pressure has been a massive asset for her captain.
Boitumelo Tlali
Boitumelo has been the spearhead of the Lesotho bowling unit, leading from the front with 7 wickets in 5 matches. Her best figures of 4/10 were a highlight of her tournament, demonstrating her ability to run through a middle order. Though she has bowled 18 overs, she has kept things relatively tight with an economy of 5.22, often creating the pressure needed for wickets at the other end.
Pitch:
While it shares the same foundational soil as its neighbor, Oval 2 is often the more temperamental and spin-friendly of the two. It typically plays slightly slower and lower than Oval 1, which allows spinners to find genuine grip and turn as the match progresses.
Weather:
Expect a sunny day with a high temperature of 27°C and a low of 16°C. The wind will be light, coming from the east at 3 mph, and there is only a 5% chance of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophina Chinawa, Triphonia Luka, Esther Richard, Lidia Dimba, Sugeni Kananji, Lucy Malino, Kananelo Molapo, Maneo Nyabela, Thandi Kobeli, Mosa Tsemane, Ret’sepile Limema
Match Details:
Date – April 10, 2026
Time – 1:00 PM IST
Venue – Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, Gaborone
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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