The 2024 Kalahari Women’s Twenty20 (T20) competition is underway, and in match no. 5, hosts Botswana will lock horns against Rwanda at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone. The game is scheduled for 01:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 23rd of April 2024.
Squads:
Botswana – Laura Mophakedi (C), Tuelo Shadrack (VC), Goabilwe Matome, Onneile Keitsemang, Pako Mapotsane, Oratile Kgeresi, Bofelo Moutswi, Merapelo Phiase, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Tebogo Moitoi, Lesego Kooagile, Aliya Motorwala, Mercy Dipogiso, Kesego Inakale
Rwanda – Rosine Irera (C), Diane Bimenyimana, Cathia Uwamahoro, Gorgette Ingabire, Nadine Nzayituriki, Henriette Ishimwe, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Flora Irakoze, Devotha Uwizeye, Marie Josee Tumukunde, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Liliane Ufitinema, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Rosette Shimwamana
Players to watch out:
Laura Mophakedi
The 26-year-old keeper-batter, with 48 T20I appearances, has accumulated 542 runs, including the highest of 38. Laura didn’t score many runs in her most recent T20I campaign late last year; however, she is amongst the best batters on the side and will be backed to contribute significantly to the scoring.
Tuelo Shadrack
The 23-year-old all-rounder in T20Is, from 37 innings, has added 127 runs to the tally, while from 39 outings has picked up 21 wickets at an economy rate of 4.99. Tuelo didn’t score many runs in her recent series, while she did manage a few wickets and was economical. She’ll be banked upon for the goods.
Henriette Ishimwe
The 20-year-old all-rounder has amassed 756 runs from 67 innings and struck 76 wickets from 69 outings, registering bests of 49* and 5/6. Henriette, in her most recent T20I series earlier this series, consistently chipped in with the bat and also was amongst the wickets. She’ll be counted on to replicate the success.
Josiane Nyirankundineza
The 23-year-old pacer, from 44 T20I outings, has bagged 39 wickets, including the best of 3/0, averaging 15.89 and maintaining an economy rate of 4.72. Josiane was in fine bowling form earlier this year and returned figures of 2/13 and 3/8 from her previous couple of T20Is. It’ll be hoped she leads the tally.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1 offers favorable conditions for bowlers, particularly pacers, resulting in an average score in the 110s. Batters face challenges but can look to convert their starts once they find their rhythm.
Weather:
It is expected to be a pleasant day for cricket with no expected rain interruptions as the radar indicates clear sunny skies. The temperature is forecasted to hover around 28°C, with light winds and humidity of 33%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Laura Mophakedi, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Tebogo Moitoi, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Tuelo Shadrack, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Diane Bimenyimana, Marie Josee Tumukunde, Rosine Irera, Josiane Nyirankundineza, Henriette Ishimwe
Match details:
Date – April 23, 2024
Time – 01:30 PM IST
Venue – Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.