Women’s cricket team claims seventh place in Gaborone

SEBONGILE MATHE       
MASERU – Defying early setbacks with grit and determination, the Lesotho women’s cricket team secured a decisive victory in the seventh-place playoff at the recent eight-nation tournament in Gaborone, Botswana.

Though the squad finished seventh overall, their commanding 48-run triumph over eSwatini showcased their resilience and growth throughout the gruelling week-long competition. 

The tournament began harshly for Lesotho, with heavy defeats against Rwanda and Cameroon.

Rwanda chased down Lesotho’s total of 24/10 in a mere 3.1 overs for a 10-wicket victory, while Cameroon’s 105/9 proved too strong, leading to a 55-run loss after Lesotho was bowled out for 50.

Yet, the team’s spirit never wavered. A marked improvement emerged in the fifth-place playoff against Mozambique. Lesotho posted a competitive 100/8 – their highest total of the week – and pushed their opponents hard before Mozambique clinched victory at 101/7.

This performance signalled a crucial step forward in batting consistency and wicket preservation.

The true climax came against eSwatini. Setting a defendable 88/9, Lesotho’s bowlers dominated, dismissing their rivals for just 40 in 14.2 overs. The emphatic win embodied the fighting spirit Captain ‘Maneo Nyapela had championed before the tournament. While the overall seventh-place finish fell short of Nyapela’s ambition to “bring a win home,” the captain’s faith in her team’s dedication was undeniably validated on the field. 

The event also unveiled promising talent. Debutants Nthatuoa Thekiso and Boitumelo Tlali impressed with all-round contributions in batting, bowling, and fielding. Their emergence, coupled with the squad’s unwavering unity under pressure, fuels optimism for Lesotho’s cricketing future.

Rwanda claimed the tournament title, followed by Sierra Leone and hosts Botswana. Malawi, Cameroon, Mozambique, and eSwatini rounded out the standings.