Lesotho on back-foot in ICC U-19 World Cup qualifiers

NTHAKO MAJORO

MASERU – The Lesotho Under-19 women’s cricket team began their campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifiers with a challenging start in Rwanda.

Despite high hopes, the team has suffered two consecutive defeats, placing them on the back foot early in the competition.

Their first match saw a heavy loss to Kenya, who dominated with a 214-run victory on Wednesday. The following day, the team faced Botswana falling short once again, this time by 89 runs.

Meanwhile, Malawi have emerged strong in the tournament, securing double victories over Sierra Leone and Eswatini, winning by 8 and 9 wickets respectively, both on Wednesday.

Though off to a rocky start, hope remains for Lesotho’s team as they prepare for four remaining matches. Their next challenge is against Mozambique tomorrow, followed by crucial encounters against Malawi and Sierra Leone on Monday, and Eswatini on Tuesday.

The Africa Division 2 Qualifiers, featuring seven countries, began on Wednesday and will conclude next Tuesday. The top two teams from this round will advance to the next stage, where they will compete for a prized spot in the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup to be held in Malaysia and Thailand.

The next round will include ICC full member Zimbabwe and top African cricketing nations like Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and hosts Rwanda.

Historically, Lesotho’s cricket teams have never progressed beyond the World Cup Qualifiers, making this a pivotal moment for the country’s young cricketers.

Lesotho squad

Kananelo Molapo (captain), Karabo Christina, Tshawana Ntobo, Lerato Mating, Reabetsoe Matilda, Lemohang Sakoane, Matšeliso Setindana, Lintle Mohloai, Lindiwe Polaki, Kabelo Esther, Boitumelo Tlali, Tšoanelo Seaka, Topollo Mofolo and Teboho Mosobela.

The Qualifiers remaining fixtures in a glance;

Saturday, August 24

Botswana vs. Kenya

Sierra Leone vs. Eswatini

Malawi vs. Botswana

Mozambique vs. Lesotho

Monday, August 26

Malawi vs. Lesotho

Eswatini vs. Botswana

Mozambique vs. Kenya

Sierra Leone vs. Lesotho

Tuesday, August 27