The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Division Two Qualifier 2025 in Botswana was a vibrant showcase of emerging talent and the ever-growing passion for women’s cricket across Africa. Eight teams battled not only for silverware but also for a coveted place in Division One, a vital steppingstone towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament culminated in a dominant run by Rwanda and an impressive campaign by Sierra Leone, both earning progression to the next stage. Here’s a deep dive into each team’s journey.
Rwanda: Unbeaten Champions, Steered by Marie Bimenyimana
Rwanda’s campaign was nothing short of commanding. Led by the astute Marie Bimenyimana, they emerged as the only unbeaten side in Group A, securing all three of their league matches and entering the final with unshakable confidence. Their batting and bowling units operated in sharp synchrony, peaking in the final as they overwhelmed Sierra Leone by 51 runs. Bimenyimana’s leadership on and off the field was instrumental, and Rwanda’s flawless run reflects a team on the rise, ready to take on stronger challenges in Division One.
Gisele Ishimwe was the leading run-scorer for her side and the 3rd highest run-scorer of the tournament with 110 runs at an average of 36.66 in three innings with the bat. Henriette Ishimwe was the leading wicket-taker with 8 wickets at an average of 4.37 and an economy of 2.69 in four innings with the ball for her side in the tournament.
Sierra Leone: Group B Dominance and Final Resilience
Sierra Leone, captained by Aminata Kamara, mirrored Rwanda’s group-stage feat by remaining unbeaten in Group B. Their journey was characterised by tenacity and consistency, clinching all three matches convincingly. Although they faltered in the final against the indomitable Rwandans, their status as runners-up earned them a deserved place in Division One. Sierra Leone’s spirited performances highlight their potential to challenge the continent’s best as they set their sights on World Cup qualification.
Skipper Aminata Kamara was the leading wicket-taker for her side with 8 wickets at an average of 9 and an economy of 3.78 in five innings with the ball for her side in the tournament. She was also the 2nd highest run-scorer for her side in the tournament with 121 runs and an average of 24.20 in five innings. Emma Kamara was the leading run-scorer of the tournament, with 165 runs and an average of 41.25 in five innings with the bat.
Malawi: A Promising Campaign Under Ketrina Chingaipe
Malawi, under Ketrina Chingaipe’s guidance, came into the tournament with quiet determination. Their group stage included impressive wins against Cameroon and Lesotho, but a loss to Rwanda kept them just short of the top spot in Group A. Although missing out on a finals berth, Malawi showcased steady improvement and credible skills across departments, finishing second in their table and demonstrating that they are a side capable of springing surprises in future qualifiers.
Febbe Malefula was the leading run-scorer for her side and the joint 4th highest run-scorer of the tournament with 108 runs alongside L Mophakedi from Botswana. As far as the bowling department is concerned, L Malino was the leading wicket-taker for her side with 7 wickets at an average of 12.57 and an economy of 4.98 in five innings, including a four-wicket haul with the ball for her side.
Botswana: Hosts Shine in Play-Offs
Hosts Botswana, led by Tuelo Shadrack, rallied from a solitary group-stage defeat (to group leaders Sierra Leone) to conclude their tournament on a high. They secured two wins in Group B to finish second, then outclassed Malawi by 65 runs in the third-place play-off. The home crowd witnessed a committed and passionate squad, blending youth and experience, and signalling that Botswana will remain keen contenders in Africa’s cricketing narrative.
Pako Mapotsane was the leading wicket-taker for her side and the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 10 wickets at an average of 3.70 and an economy of 3.36 in four innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for her side in the tournament. L Mophakedi was the leading run-scorer for her side in the tournament.
Cameroon: Madaleine Sissako’s Team Shows Grit
Cameroon, under Madaleine Sissako, experienced a mixed run. A win against Lesotho kept their hopes alive, but two group stage defeats consigned them to third place in Group A. Nonetheless, Cameroon displayed remarkable fighting spirit, notably clinching the 5th-place play-off against Mozambique by 2 wickets. Their campaign was a testament to the growing depth and competitiveness of African women’s cricket.
Skipper Madaleine Sissako was the leading run-scorer for her side with 105 runs at an average of 21 in five innings with the bat for her side. Edwige Guehoada was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 10 wickets at an average of 4.80 and an economy of 2.85 in five innings, including a couple of four-wicket hauls with the ball for her side in the tournament.
Mozambique: A Sole Victory, But Plenty to Build On
Angelica Salomao’s Mozambique managed a single win in the group phase, overcoming Eswatini to secure third place in Group B. Losses to Botswana and Sierra Leone set them back, and a narrow defeat in the 5th-place play-off against Cameroon revealed both strengths and developmental areas. With focused investment, Mozambique’s young side can turn these lessons into future progress.
Olga Matsolo was the leading wicket-taker for her side and also the joint highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 10 wickets at an average of 7.50 and an economy of 4.54 in five innings, including one four-wicket haul with the ball for her side in the tournament. Cristina Magaia was the leading run-scorer with 83 runs in five innings with the bat for her side in the tournament.
Lesotho: Tough Lessons for Maneo Nyabela’s Young Side
Lesotho, captained by Maneo Nyabela, faced a tough baptism in this qualifier. Unable to secure a win in their three games, they finished at the foot of Group A. Their efforts, however, offered valuable exposure for a side still new to international T20 competition. This experience will serve as a springboard for Lesotho’s continued development in subsequent tournaments.
Eswatini: Building Blocks for the Future
Eswatini, led by Mbali Dlamini, also endured a winless campaign in Group B. Despite this, Eswatini’s participation provided crucial match experience and foundational insights necessary to evolve on the international stage. With perseverance and ongoing grassroots investment, Eswatini hopes to register their mark in the years ahead.
The Road Ahead
As Rwanda and Sierra Leone move forward to Division One, the stakes get higher, with the finalist teams from that tournament set to qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Division Two Qualifier offered a compelling blend of individual brilliance and collective effort, underscoring the undeniable momentum behind women’s cricket in Africa.
The journey for these teams, marked by triumphs, shortcomings, and robust camaraderie, paints a promising picture for the next generation of African women cricketers. The future, most certainly, is bright.
