In match number 18 of the 2nd edition of the Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament Nigeria lock horns with Botswana at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali. The proceedings are set to commence at 05:15 PM (IST) Indian Standard Time.
On one side Nigeria has found the rhythm and is doing well in all three departments, whereas Botswana finds themselves still searching for a victory. While one team fights for qualification the other one will step on the field for pride.
Squads:
Nigeria – Blessing Etim (c), Favour Eseigbe, Rukayat Abdulrasak, Adeshola Adekunle, Peculiar Agboya, Omonye Asika, Sarah Etim (wk), Abigail Igbobie (wk), Agatha Obulor, Oseyende Omonkhobio, Lucky Piety, Rachael Samson, Esther Sandy, Salome Sunday.
Botswana – Laura Mophakedi (c, wk), Mercy Dipogiso (wk), Onneile Keitsemang, Oratile Kgeresi, Pako Mapotsane, Goabilwe Matome, Thapelo Modise, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Shameelah Mosweu, Tebogo Motlhabaphuti, Merapelo Phiase, Florence Samanyika, Goitseone Setshwane, Tuelo Shadrack.
Players to watch out:
Lucky Piety
The 16-year-old young gun has shown quite some capability in her short span of time on the international stage. Nigeria’s future looks good with such a seemingly good prodigy booming. In their first game of the tournament against Rwanda, she got off to a ballistic start but failed to convert it but has been among the wickets consistently, inflicting damage to well-set partnerships.
Salome Sunday
With runs in excess of 600 on the big stage, Sunday has a ton of experience. In the recently concluded Nigeria Cricket Federation Women’s T20I Tournament her scores of (48*), (29), and (27*) added substance to the batting order by giving shape to the batting order. The right-hander has struggled to get going in the tournament so far and will be hoping for fortunes to turn around.
Laura Mophakedi
25-year-old right-handed batter Mophakedi has been on the rise in recent years. Getting off to good starts is her thing, but continuing to show grit on the crease to make it big is what she has lacked at times. With 376 runs on the international stage and an improving batting index, Botswana will rely on her for quick run-making at the top of the order.
Florence Samanyika
Batting through the tricky middle overs and delivering with the ball in crucial times is what Samanyika does best. With an increasing batting index over the years, she’s a huge asset. With runs in excess of 450 on the international stage she is a force to reckon. With just one 30+ score in the tournament so far, she’ll be looking for runs hoping to capitalize on every opportunity.
Pitch:
A well-balanced track with a slight advantage for the batters. Uncertainty in bounce will add to the bowlers’ advantage as it will be the venue’s second game of the day.
Weather:
Comfortable playing conditions are forecasted ahead of the game, with temperatures hovering around mid-20 degrees and no possible chance of rain.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura Mophakedi, Thapelo Modise, Salome Sunday, Lucky Piety, Esther Sandy, Shameelah Mosweu, Florence Samanyika, Favour Eseigbe, Pako Mapotsane, Rachael Samson, Agatha Obulor.
Match Details:
Date – June 15th, 2023
Time – 05:15 PM IST
Venue – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Rwanda
Broadcast – Access live scores for all the games in the series on the FanCode app and website.