The T20 World Cup Africa Division Two Regional Qualifier continued to deliver thrilling cricketing action, as teams battled not just for wins, but for momentum heading into the knockout stages. From all-round dominance to bowling masterclasses, the last round of matches showcased the contrasting fortunes of the competing sides.
Malawi flexed their batting muscle with a commanding 106-run win over Lesotho; meanwhile, Mozambique Women followed suit with an 88-run triumph against Eswatini. In another strong statement of form, Sierra Leone Women maintained their unbeaten streak, registering a 5-wicket win over hosts Botswana. But the most ruthless performance came from Rwanda, who dismantled Cameroon for just 20 runs in 13.1 overs. It was a 10-wicket win for Rwanda women that spoke volumes of their bowling firepower.
Match 9 group A: Malawi Women vs Lesotho Women
Malawi Women stormed into the spotlight with a commanding 106-run victory over Lesotho Women, putting on a clinical display with both bat and ball.
Opting to bat first, Malawi posted an imposing total of 162/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Lidia Dimba set the tone early with a brisk 42 off 28 balls, while Lucy Bigula chipped in with a useful 24. While Angela Lumbe and Triphonia Luka had brief stays, the innings belonged to Febbe Malefula, who played a scintillating knock of 62* off 35 deliveries, accelerating at a fiery strike rate of 177. Her power-hitting in the death overs took the game away from Lesotho. For Lesotho, Tanki Ramabitsa tried to keep things in check with figures of 2/42, while Maneo Nyabela contributed with 1/25, but the Malawi batters had already done the damage.
Chasing 163, Lesotho’s innings never gained momentum. Early wickets derailed their start as Kananelo Molapo (4), Tshepang Khabo (0), and Boitumelo Tlali (7) fell in quick succession. Despite a fighting effort by skipper Maneo Nyabela, who top-scored with 18 off 25, the rest of the batting order crumbled under pressure. Lesotho were bowled out for just 56 in 14.4 overs. Malawi’s bowlers were relentless, led by the ever-dangerous Lucy Malino, who tore through the tail with an exceptional 4/14 in just 2.4 overs. She was well supported by Esther Richard (2/5), Lidia Dimba (1/3), Eva Kabwere (1/5), and skipper Ketrina Chingaipe (1/6)- each of whom played their part in a dominating team performance.
Match 10 Group B: Mozambique Women vs Eswatini Women
Mozambique Women put on a commanding all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 88-run victory over Eswatini Women in their latest regional qualifier clash.
Batting first, Mozambique Women posted a formidable total of 165/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a collective batting effort. Openers Olga Mondlane (17 off 28) and Amelia Mundundo (16 off 24) laid a cautious foundation before Cristina Magaia took charge with a fluent 52 off 41 balls, anchoring the innings brilliantly. Middle-order batter Isabel Chuma added crucial late runs with a well-paced 30* off 28, ensuring momentum stayed with Mozambique. Despite a few tight overs, Eswatini’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs. Lulama Simelane was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2/52, while Lindokuhle Mamba chipped in with 1/20.
Chasing a steep target of 166, Eswatini Women were rocked early as their top order collapsed. Both Ntombizodwa Mkhatshwa and Winile Ginindza were dismissed cheaply, managing just 2 runs between them. Captain Mbali Dlamini stood tall amid the collapse, scoring a resilient 40 off 41 deliveries, but found no support at the other end. The middle and lower order failed to fire, with most batters falling for single-digit scores as Eswatini were restricted to 77/9 in 20 overs. For Mozambique, Palmira Cuinica starred with the ball, delivering an exceptional spell of 3/4 in 4 overs, while Angelica Salomao (3/15) and Olga Matsolo (2/15) backed her up with equally effective contributions.
Match 11 Group B: Botswana Women vs Sierra Leone Women
Sierra Leone Women continued their unbeaten run in the tournament with a composed 5-wicket victory over Botswana Women, chasing down the target of 90 with ease in just 13.5 overs.
Batting first, Botswana Women managed 89/4 in their 20 overs, a modest total built on a patient innings from Goabilwe Matome, who top-scored with 32 off 47 balls. Support came in patches, with Laura Mophakedi contributing 15 off 23, while Wendy Moutswi (14*) and Pako Mapotsane (12* off 13) helped add late runs. However, the lack of acceleration in the middle overs cost them momentum. Sierra Leone’s bowlers kept things tight, especially Ann Marie Kamara, who returned impressive figures of 2/10 in 4 overs. She was supported well by Linda Bull (1/13) and Celina Bull (1/19).
In response, Sierra Leone’s top order laid the perfect foundation for the chase. Emma Kamara remained unbeaten with a mature knock of 33* off 32 balls, anchoring the innings with calmness. Skipper Aminata Kamara once again provided early impetus with a blazing 22 off just 12 balls, taking charge of the chase from the start. Despite a small wobble in the middle, with brief contributions from Marie Turay (8), Celina Bull (6), Linda Bull (6), and Zainab Kamara (5), Sierra Leone cruised to 90/5 in 13.5 overs. Botswana’s bowling highlights included Pako Mapotsane’s tidy spell of 2/8, along with Merapelo Phiase and Kesego Inakale chipping in with a wicket each, but the target never looked challenging.
Match 12 Group A: Cameroon Women vs Rwanda Women
Rwanda Women delivered a dominant all-round performance to register a crushing 10-wicket win over Cameroon Women, chasing down a meagre total of 21 in just 3.5 overs.
Cameroon Women endured a nightmarish outing with the bat, folding for just 20 runs in 13.1 overs, one of the lowest team totals in the tournament. Opening batter and skipper Madeleine Sissako was the only batter to show some resistance, scoring 9 runs, while the rest of the lineup crumbled under relentless pressure from Rwanda’s bowling attack. The top order faltered early, with Jeanne Ngono dismissed for a duck, and the middle order offered no recovery, as Cathy Mbelel (1), Marguerite Bessala (0), and Elsa Kana (0) all fell cheaply. Rwanda’s bowlers were clinical, led by Rosine Irera (2/1), Marie Bimenyimana (2/2). Belise Murekatete (2/7), Alice Ikuzwe (1/1), and Henriette Ishimwe (1/2) joined the tally.
Chasing a target of 21 was a mere formality for Rwanda. Skipper Marie Bimenyimana (4* off 7) and Georgette Ingabire (13* off 16) made light work of the total, calmly guiding their side to 21/0 in 3.5 overs. This resounding win further establishes Rwanda as one of the tournament’s most dominant sides.
