Match 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier (Division 1) will feature a clash between Division 2 runners-up Botswana and Tanzania at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda, on the 9th of December, 2023, at 4:20 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Squads:
Botswana – Laura Mophakedi (C, WK), Shameelah Mosweu (VC), Onneile Keitsemang, Oratile Kgeresi, Bontle Madimabe (WK), Pako Mapotsane, Goabilwe Matome, Tebogo Moitoi, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Tebogo Motlhabaphuti, Wendy Moutswi, Merapelo Phiase, Florence Samanyika, Tuelo Shadrack
Tanzania – Neema Pius (C), Perice Kamunya (VC), Fatuma Kibasu, Aisha Mohamed, Monica Iddi, Saum Mtae, Sophia Jerome, Shufaa Hamza, Sheila Kizito, Mwajabu Salum, Agnes Qwele, Saum Deo, Mwanamvua Ushanga, Hudaa Omary, Viloeth Mwandry
Players to watch out:
Shameelah Mosweu
The 28-year-old all-rounder, with 36 T20I appearances, has amassed 449 runs and claimed 31 wickets, marking personal bests of 86* and 6/3, respectively. In the September Division 2 Qualifier, Shameelah rewrote her career-best score to an unbeaten 86. However, she struggled for consistent runs, which wasn’t the case with her bowling. The team will hope for a more consistent all-round performance from her.
Florence Samanyika
The 22-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, in 42 outings has added 554 runs to the tally and taken 26 wickets from 32 bowling outings, with respective bests being 41 and 4/16. Florence wasn’t at her best in the September Qualifier, but did manage successive scores of 22 in must-wins. She’s among those who are experienced and will be banked upon to deliver the goods.
Saum Mtae
The 21-year-old batter has amassed 620 runs in 34 T20Is, striking at 115.24, with a best of 57. She has also chipped in with the ball, taking 6 wickets in 9 outings. Saum was aggressive and attacking, performing well in Tanzania’s recent Quadrangular series. She displayed scintillating form in the recent home domestic season as well. However, she will need to convert her starts as a lot of expectations are placed on her.
Neema Pius
The 22-year-old all-rounder has managed 312 runs, including a highest score of 65 from 22 T20Is. In 7 bowling innings, she has claimed 6 wickets, with her best being 2/6. Neema, during the Quadrangular series, produced successive bowling figures of 2/10 and 2/6. While she wasn’t at her best with the bat, she’ll be backed to rediscover her form in this competition following a good recent run in domestic cricket.
Pitch:
With the Entebbe wicket being on the slower side, it has not been easy for batting, and a modest average score at the venue suggests the same. Bowlers, especially spinners, dictate the proceedings of the game as the ball grips and turns.
Weather:
The conditions at Entebbe Cricket Oval are expected to be pleasant for the game, despite cloudy skies as the chances of rain are minimal. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 25°C, with light winds and humidity of 75%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Laura Mophakedi, Saum Mtae, Monica Iddi, Hudaa Omary, Fatuma Kibasu, Neema Pius, Florence Samanyika, Shameelah Mosweu, Goabilwe Matome, Perice Kamunya, Sophia Jerome
Match details:
Date – December 9, 2023
Time – 4:20 PM IST
Venue – Entebbe Cricket Oval, Entebbe
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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