The contest between Zambia Women and Malawi Women in the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament unfolded as a low-scoring but gripping encounter, where disciplined bowling and steady chases defined the outcome. The match began with Zambia looking to build a competitive platform after being put into bat, but early pressure from Malawi’s bowlers meant momentum was hard to come by.
Zambia’s innings never truly found rhythm, as wickets fell at regular intervals, disrupting any chance of meaningful partnerships. The opening breakthrough came early when Nancy Chabula departed for 1 at 5/1 in 3.1 overs, followed quickly by Mwake Kachingo, leaving the side at 5/2 in 3.2 overs. The powerplay phase was dominated by Malawi’s tight bowling lines, particularly from Sugeni Kananji and Lucy Malino, who ensured Zambia struggled to rotate strike. A brief resistance came through Filo Chenda and Rithika Sriram, who attempted to stabilise the innings, but the partnership was short-lived as Chenda fell for 5 at 16/3 in 6.2 overs.
Rithika Sriram held one end with a patient 10 off 34 balls, trying to anchor the innings, but lacked support as Mercy Nguni (6) and Vivian Mwansa (1) fell in quick succession. The middle overs saw another small stand between Mwansa Chabula and Peggy Munsanda, both remaining unbeaten on 9, helping Zambia crawl to 54/6 in their 20 overs. The lack of boundaries, only a couple across the innings, and a run rate of just 2.70 highlighted Malawi’s bowling dominance.
Malawi’s bowling unit delivered a collective performance, with Sugeni Kananji emerging as the standout, claiming 2 wickets for just 5 runs in her 4 overs. Bridget Kasinja also picked up 2/7, while Lucy Malino (1/7) and Praise Maziya (1/11) chipped in effectively. Their disciplined approach, backed by sharp fielding, ensured Zambia never gained any momentum.
Chasing a modest target of 55, Malawi’s innings began cautiously but not without hiccups. Early wickets added some tension as Euless Chirailie fell at 1/3 in 0.6 overs, followed by Sophina Chinawa (3) and Sugeni Kananji (1), leaving Malawi at 10/3 in 3.1 overs. Zambia’s bowlers, particularly Mercy Nguni (2/18), struck key blows to keep the contest alive. A crucial partnership then developed between Praise Maziya and Allinafe Alfonso, steadying the chase with sensible batting.
Although Alfonso departed for 8 at 32/4 in 6.5 overs, Maziya continued to anchor the innings with an unbeaten 14 off 20 balls. Monica Ndipo added a valuable 8 runs, contributing to a brief partnership before falling at 53/5 in 9.5 overs. Despite the late wickets, Malawi remained in control, thanks to the lower-order composure of Caroleen Mangulama, who stayed not out on 2 to guide the team home.
Zambia’s bowlers showed fight, with Mwansa Chabula (1/12), Patience Chabuta (1/11), and Nancy Chabula (1/11) all picking up wickets, but the low total left little room for error. Malawi eventually reached 55/5 in just 10.2 overs, sealing a five-wicket victory with 58 balls to spare.
Malawi Women’s clinical performance, led by Player of the Match Sugeni Kananji, proved decisive in a game where every run was hard-earned and every wicket pivotal.
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