In their respective openers, while Zimbabwe had a dominating outing, Botswana suffered a heavy defeat. The two will face each other in match 6 of the ongoing Division 1 International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda, on the 11th 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
Zimbabwe – Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Ashley Ndiraya, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Chiyedza Dhururu, Loreen Tshuma, Francisca Chipare, Precious Marange, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Nomvelo Sibanda, Audrey Mazvishaya, Nyasha Gwanzura
Players to watch out:
Laura Mophakedi
The 25-year-old keeper-batter, in 46 Twenty20 International (T20I) appearances, has amassed 539 runs, including the highest of 38. Laura posted significant scores in the Division 2 fixtures, and following an ordinary outing in the season opener in Division 1, will be backed to rediscover her form.
Goabilwe Matome
The 24-year-old all-rounder, in 38 T20I outings, has accumulated 360 runs and picked up 34 wickets, with respective bests being 45* and 6/1. Goabilwe had a quiet outing in the season opener but was a standout in the September Division 2 Qualifier, and it’ll be expected of her to step up for the team again in this Qualifier.
Josephine Nkomo
The 26-year-old all-rounder, in 26 T20I outings, has posted 368 runs, averaging 24.53, and scalped 31 wickets from 32 outings, maintaining an economy rate of 4.50. Josephine is in notable form of late, and the same was on display in the opener, registering figures of 26 and 1/8. She’ll be relied upon for the goods.
Loreen Tshuma
The 27-year-old pacer, averaging 12.30, has claimed 23 wickets in 17 T20Is, maintaining an economy rate of 4.87, and producing the best of 4/11. She is also a handy contributor with the bat. Loreen kicked off her campaign on the right foot with figures of 3/14, and it’ll be hoped she carries forward this momentum.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Entebbe Cricket Oval heavily favors the pacers, creating ideal conditions for bowling, as evident from the average score in the 90s. However, batters with good tactical skills and shot selection can still score runs effectively.
Weather:
The conditions at Entebbe Cricket Oval are expected to be pleasant for the game, with clear skies and a minimal chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 24°C, with light winds and humidity of 80%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Laura Mophakedi, Mary-Anne Musonda, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Ashley Ndiraya, Kelis Ndhlovu, Florence Samanyika, Shameelah Mosweu, Josephine Nkomo, Precious Marange, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma
Match details:
Date – December 11, 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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