All You Need to Know About the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 - Squads, Schedule

The cricketing spotlight shifts to Botswana as the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 Tournament kicked off, April 26, with four teams, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone, vying for glory. Kuwait’s withdrawal adds intrigue, but the tournament’s heartbeat remains the fierce ambition of Africa’s emerging cricketing nations. Here’s why this event matters more than ever.

This year’s edition promises high stakes as Botswana hosts three hungry challengers. Despite Kuwait’s late exit, the competition retains its competitive edge, with each team carrying unique narratives of growth and grit. The shadow of Rwanda’s dominant 2023 title win, where they crushed Botswana by 8 wickets-looms large, setting the stage for redemption arcs and breakout moments.

Botswana’s Time for Redemption at home

The hosts return to action after a middling 5th-place finish at June 2024’s Kwibuka T20. With the bitter memory of last year’s final loss to Rwanda still fresh, Botswana’s squad would be laser-focused on leveraging home advantage. Expect fiery spells from their pace attack and tactical nous from senior players eager to rewrite history.

Squad:

Tuelo Shadrack (C), Pako Mapotsane, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Kesego Inakale, Laura Mophakedi, Oratile Kgeresi, Aliya Motorwala, Lesego Kooagile, Mercy Dipogiso, Merapelo Phiase, Wendy Moutswi, Tlhalefo Godisamang, Keotshepile Keariala, Goabilwe Matome

Eswatini, Breaking the barriers

After a year-long T20I hiatus since the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, Eswatini steps back into the spotlight. This is their chance to prove their mettle against regional rivals. Watch for their batting order to adopt an aggressive approach, aiming to make every ball count.

Squad:

Lethokuhle Gwebu, Lihle Shabalala, Lindokuhle Mamba, Lulama Simelane, Malinga Tenele, Mancoba Jele, Mbali Dlamini, Nkosingiphile Mamba, Nothando Mabila, Ntombizini Gwebu, Ntombizodwa Mkhatshwa, Owami Dlamini, Sibongiseni E Dlamini, Sinothile Phakathi, Tibusiso Dlamini, Zinhle Shabalala

Also Read: Phoebe Litchfield's quickfire 25 helps GG's XI secure win against India Women in practice match

Mozambique, Climbing the Ladder

Last year’s third-place finishers are no longer underdogs. With a year of introspection and training, Mozambique’s all-rounders are primed to challenge for the title. Their spin-heavy strategy could dismantle batting lineups on Botswana’s slower pitches.

Squad:

Abelina Antonio Moiane, Amelia Lucas Mundundo, Angelica Filipe Salomao, Cristina Fernando Magaia, Fernando Arlinda Zavala, Irene Ermelinda Mulhovo, Isabel Cristina Chuma, Isabel Nhamitambo, Josefina Sonia, Laura Francisco Chipanga, Olga Carlos Mondlane, Regina Osvaldo Mazunba, Rosalia Pichano Haiong, Wesley Nely A Bucuane

Sierra Leone, the Fighter’s Spirit

Winless in March’s Quadrangular series but far from discouraged, Sierra Leone arrives with fire in their bellies. Zainab Kamara, their 7-wicket hero, leads a young squad hungry to translate close fights into victories. Her lethal inswingers and death-over discipline could be game-changers.

Squad:

Aminata Kamara (C), Ann Marie Kamara, Celina Bull, Marie Turay, Fatu Conteh, Nancy Mary Square, Zainab Kamara, Linda Bull, Patrica Pratt, Mary Sheriff, Emma Kamara, Alice Fillie, Jane Newland, Hussainatu Sawaneh

Format:

The upcoming edition of the tournament will be played in the double round robin format.

Schedule:

26th April 2025 (Saturday):

Match 1: Botswana Vs Eswatini, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 8:30 PM

Match 2: Mozambique Vs Sierra Leone, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, 8:45 PM

27th April 2025 (Sunday):

Match 3: Eswatini Vs Sierra Leone, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 5:30 PM

Match 4: Botswana Vs Mozambique, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, 5:45 PM

Match 5: Botswana Vs Sierra Leone, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 1:30 PM

Match 6: Eswatini Vs Mozambique, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, 1:45 PM

Also Read: Did not expect to carry on for so long: Mithali Raj

28th April 2025 (Monday):

Match 7: Botswana Vs Mozambique, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 5:30 PM

Match 8: Eswatini Vs Sierra Leone, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, 5:45 PM

29th April 2025 (Tuesday):

Match 9: Mozambique Vs Sierra Leone, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 1:30 PM

Match 10: Botswana Vs Eswatini, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 2, 1:45 PM

30th April 2025 (Wednesday):

Match 11: Botswana Vs Sierra Leone, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 1:30 PM

Match 12: Eswatini Vs Mozambique, Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, 5:30 PM

Streaming and Broadcasting Details:

The tournament is unlikely to be streamed in India.

The Kalahari T20 isn’t just about trophies, it’s a catalyst for women’s cricket in Africa. By giving smaller nations consistent competitive exposure, the event nurtures raw talent, strengthens grassroots pipelines, and challenges stereotypes. Every boundary hit and wicket taken here echoes as a win for gender equality in sport.