Semi-Final 1: Botswana Women vs Rwanda Women | Squads | Players to Watch | Fantasy Playing XI | Live Streaming

A high-stakes clash awaits as the in-form Rwanda take on a spirited Botswana in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup Africa Division Two Regional Qualifier 2025. With a spot in the final on the line, expect a tightly contested encounter between a well-oiled Rwandan unit and a Botswana side hungry to win.

Rwanda come into this contest on the back of an impressive unbeaten run, having won all three of their group stage matches with dominant all-round displays. Their consistency, discipline, and squad depth make them the team to beat. Botswana, on the other hand, have shown their mettle with two wins from three games, bouncing back strongly after a setback.

Squads:

Botswana Women’s Cricket Team

Tuelo Shadrack (C), Pako Mapotsane, Amantle Mokgotlhe, Kesego Inakale, Laura Mophakedi, Oratile Kgeresi, Aliya Motorwala, Onneile Keitsemang, Maatla Sefati, Goitseone Setshwane, Merapelo Phiase, Wendy Moutswi, Tlhalefo Godisamang, Goabilwe Matome

Rwanda Women’s Cricket Team

Marie D. Bimenyimana (C), Clarisse Umutoniwase, Belise Murekatete, Geovanis Uwase, Shakila Niyomuhoza, Gisele Ishimwe, Henrietta Ishimwe, Mervielle Uwase, Rosine Irera, Rossette Shimwamana, Slyvia Usabyimana, Sarah Uwera, Georgette Ingabire, Alice Ikuzwe

Players of watch out:

Pako Mapotsane

Pako brings balance to the squad, with 244 runs from 23 innings and the personal best of unbeaten 43. Her bowling has been equally effective, 16 wickets in 16 innings, with her most recent showing of 4/6 in this tournament, underlining her match-winning ability.

Goabilwe Matome

Matome is having a stellar regional qualifier. She’s cracked 100 runs in just 3 innings, and with the ball, she’s picked 6 wickets, her best being 4/8. Over her career, she’s racked up 614 runs and 68 wickets in 58 appearances, with bowling figures peaking at 6/1, a rare and sensational spell.

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Henrietta Ishimwe

A consistent all-rounder, Henrietta has featured in 110 WT20Is, scoring 1193 runs with the personal best of 67*. With the ball, she’s been just as effective, scalping 136 wickets, including a fiery 5/6 spell. In the current T20 Regional Qualifier, she’s chipped in with both bat (24 runs) and ball (6 wickets, best 3/13), proving her reliability once again.

Rosine Irera

Rosine has been a lethal force with the ball in her 62-match WT20Is so far, having claimed 71 wickets, including a standout 4/13. She’s continued her form into this tournament with 5 wickets in 3 games, her best being an economical 3/4, making her one of Rwanda’s key weapons in the bowling department.

Pitch:

The Botswana Cricket Association Oval is a low-scoring venue with an abrasive surface that assists spin and cutters. Batting first is generally wiser due to deteriorating conditions and inconsistent bounce in the second half.

Weather:

The weather is expected to be bright and sunny, offering ideal playing conditions. With a temperature around 7°C, players might feel a crisp chill in the air, especially during early hours. However, the chance of precipitation is negligible ensures there’s no rain threat.

Fantasy Playing XI:

Henrietta Ishimwe, Goabilwe Matome, Marie Bimenyimana, Tuelo Shadrack, Clarisse Umutoniwase, Pako Mapotsane, Gisele Ishimwe, Rosine Irera, Belise Murekatete, Kesego Inakale, Laura Mophakedi