Heading into the third match of the African Qualifiers, this was another match that ended up being a very one-sided affair by the more experienced side. With Tanzania pulling out by 7 wickets, they demonstrated a dominant factor on both ends, playing a style that showcased their greater experience.
Knowing that they are more than eager to finally get it done and be that surprise team to make the T20I World Cup, this was a great start, which gives them boosted confidence to move further and increase their chances. Captain Abhik Patwa demonstrated tremendous leadership and a great ability to guide this side through tense situations, while also providing everyone with extra motivation.
Meanwhile, Botswana had a match to forget as this was one where they struggled to get anything positive done. A group that had a lot of hype built on them heading into this qualifier stage, as one side that could create drama, they weren’t able to show any of that and were completely outclassed on all ends.
With tougher matches like Zimbabwe upcoming on their schedule, this side has already found themselves in a world of trouble and will need a Herculean effort to make the semi-finals now. Captain Karabo Motlhanka needs to show more promise under pressure, plus will need to guide his teammates in the right places during their remaining intense matchups.
Botswana: A Batting Lineup That Could Have Scored More With A Higher Strike Rate
One major issue for this Bostwana batting attack was that they weren’t scoring fast enough, despite having some very high scores from individual players. As opener Karabo Modise had a 100 strike rate during the first couple overs, he did score 25 runs with four boundaries, but it felt like he could have maximized the score even more. Someone who usually tends to hit big when he gets favorable deliveries, it was quite shocking he didn’t show this today, and it really held his side back.
Getting out at 38/1 in 7.3 overs, that showed how slowly this side was batting, with captain Karabo Mothlhanka also being removed at one-down at a 40 strike rate.
Although their other opener in Vinoo Balakrishnan, hit a half-century, his 5 sixes seemed to come much later on, as it still took him nearly 50 deliveries to get towards the same number of runs. Even though his innings ended at a 125 strike rate, he was removed on a run-out at 68 for 54 with Botswana only scoring 118 runs during their 18.5 overs.
With Tharindu Perera trying to make amends by batting a little faster, he was caught and bowled by Ally Kimote in that final over, while Thatayaone Those also left for a clean duck. Seeing this, Tanzania were just able to put 122 runs for 6 wickets lost on the board, while batting all 20 of their overs.
Tanzania: Very Economical Day For This Bowling Attack That Has Shown Immense Growth
Looking at Tanzania’s bowlers today, everyone seemed to be very strong in this match as they showed prowess on limiting runs. Led by Ally Kimote’s four massive overs, he had only allowed 18 runs through them while also removing two batsmen and making a great jump from where he once was.
Having an economy of around 4.50, this piece had a medium pace of around 120-130 km/hr, which really made an impact during the powerplay and death overs. On the same side, Sivaraj Selvaraj had a great four overs in which he held Botswana to under 6 runs and also got a wicket. Being almost as effective as Kimote, this duo was a massive part of their success today.
On the left side, orthodox bowler Laksh Bakrania had three golden overs with a wicket, while also allowing just 15 during them. Someone who used to just be a part-time bowler, he has slowly made his way into getting extended overs and removed a batsmen in Karabo Motlhanka.
As Salum Jumbe was their primary pace threat from the right side with deliveries at almost 140 km/hr, his 4 overs were also key as he had only given up 26 runs during them, while also creating a trap for batsmen to not hit many boundaries against him. Closing it out, Khalidy Amari Juma, was also economical while showing how much depth this Tanzania bowling attack has with his ability to swing the ball.
Tanzania: Chased Down The Required Score With Relative Ease
On Tanzania’s side of batting, today was a great showing by them to come out with victory after their batsmen showed amazing strength. With opener Arun Yadav hitting a half-century, he was a key piece in batting fast and really helping them dominate those powerplay overs.
Although captain Abhik Patwa got out after the third over at 20 runs after hitting 5 wonderful boundaries, it was important that Yadav stayed at the crease to be that stable force that helps them cross the line. Smashing 62 runs in just 32 deliveries, he created a near 60-run partnership with KA Ajith before getting removed, but had a remarkable 8 fours combined with two sixes that were absolutely launched.
Someone who’s slowly becoming more consistent at that opening position and can score runs at a rapid pace, his near 200 strike rate showed exactly why he was their most important piece. Helping them reach over 100 runs in less than 11 overs, KA Ajith had batted much more slowly with a rate near 60, while hitting just one boundary. Losing his key wicket to Boemo Khumalo meant that Mukesh Suthar would have to come into the match to finish it off.
With Amal Rajeevan on the other side, they both build a match-winning 11-run partnership and were able to help their side prevail by scoring 124 runs for just the loss of 3 wickets.
Botswana: Bowlers Had A Very Nightmarish Type of Performance
Talking about Botswana’s bowling attack, their troubles were prevalent as both the spinners and pacers really struggled to make a difference. The only piece that really was dominant was Katlo Piet during his four overs as he took one wicket with just 20 runs allowed, but outside of him, everyone else had a rough afternoon. Looking at Tharindu Perera, this was someone who got two overs but still almost gave up 10 in each, while not finding any consistency to attack the stumps.
With Boemo Khumalo having taken two wickets, they were much later on as he had been smacked around in his intial overs. Lastly, Dhruv Maisuria also was not effective enough as he got fully smacked around for 28 during his two overs.
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