Heading into the African qualifiers, Malawi will once again look to continue developing its name and make great strides under pressure. A side that originally started playing during 2019, they have become more successful much faster than many people would have expected, while hitting a stage that could get them known further if they get through these qualifiers.
With Malawi nation still be newer to the sport, a T20I World Cup appearance will definitely help garner more interest and make a difference with another country from Africa becoming a real threat. As Mohammed Nadeem Ahmed has really been vital in their growth, he was just hired recently this year and led Malawi past sides like Rwanda plus Germany.
Their biggest upset victory so far has been against Lesotho, as this side won by 93 runs and were able to be just one point short of qualifying during their inaugural chance. Currently ranked as the 55th best team and improving past many other rival nations like Ghana, another key to this tournament is continuing to improve upon their ranking, so they can pretty easily cross 50.
Seeing that the talent on Malawi side has become better too, with several depth and bench pieces having more potential, they can definitely create a couple of shockers during these matches. Sami Sohail will likely be their captain once again as he’s continued providing a culture change to this side in their early formations.
Strengths: Top-Order Will Continue Starting Out Very Strong For This Unit
Looking at who Malawi opens their batting with, this group should really develop great early partnerships to create high totals that aren’t simply chaseable. Sami Sohail has been a huge revelation on one end of the opening duo as the 23-year-old righty has already smashed 1,900 runs in 57 innings and is someone who is ultra-consistent with a 50 average. Having gone over that total 13 times already, he’s been able to clearly display boundary-hitting ability by hitting over 200 combined sixes plus fours. Across him, Aaftab Limdawala has slowly shown improvement in the early go with an average of over 18, while also hitting three half-centuries and over 570 runs of his own as a left-hander.
The most veteran piece on this group is Donnex Kansonkho, as he continues being key at one-down while providing some big knocks. Although he hasn’t been as consistent as their two openers, this is someone that will provide around 18 to 19 runs per match. Their biggest competition will occur at the number four position because Saleem Nihute has seemed to fit in that role very well. Averaging 21.25 runs per every inning, he always keeps a near 100 strike rate, a potential return of Gift Kansonkho, 579 runs, could play a huge role in him moving back, as both batsmen are more than equipped enough to play that position. Knowing Gift Kansonkho is more of a player who likes to hit on the ground, it will be up to Malawi if they want a big hitter at this position.
Weaknesses: Middle-Order Will Struggle A Bit Due To Their Recent Performances
When we see this middle-order on this side, it is something that could hold them back and cause them to get all out pretty quickly. As it’s been a constant struggle to improve that position, guys like Muhammad Kazim Somani, 18 average, have been the only real threats to show up. Someone who continues developing himself into a clear attacker, Phillip Zuze hasn’t found any consistency at his batting position throughout his short career. Someone who has already played 17 innings, he’s just scored 90 runs and not even eclipsed a 31-mark, while Mike Choabama has also been a major issue. More is known for his bowling abilities, but he hasn’t created much with the bat so far and has an average close to 6.50.
Talking about Bright Balala being in that mix too, this was a piece that Malawi hoped would take off around 7-down, given that he looked like such a great piece for the future. Only being 18, there have already been a few reasons to panic because he’s managed to just score 48 runs during his first 14 innings and hasn’t been a boundary threat at all. Given that he’s just hit two during his early career, there will need to be a way for him to provide much more to this side. With Chisomo Tchale also scoring fewer than 1.5 runs every time he has to come out to bat, this group will need to see what they end up getting out of Daniel Jakiel heading into this vital tournament.
Opportunities: Bowlers Have Always Been Very Dominant
For the Malawi side, their bowling attack will provide a lot of options as they have shown potential to really control matches. Led by former Zimbabwe international Daniel Jakiel, his 50 wickets during just 41 starts have been a great addition and really help this side control powerplay overs. As his economy is just under 7.20, this seems amazing due to the fact that he carries their load during both death plus powerplay overs. Another key piece for this side is Sami Sohail, 60 wickets, as he continues being their main spinner and really knows how to bowl it at a very good length. Given his 6.82 economy, this is a very stable one that he continues improving since he’s gotten more overs.
Chisomo Tchale has made an impact as a new right-handed bowler who’s already gotten 6 batsmen out at just 16 years old and looks like someone who can carry the load during future years. Although he can leak runs at times, there has been a clear development in his pace action, and really started becoming a threat to many power hitters. Another threat in this attack has to be Suhail Vayani, as his offbreak abilities from the right end have helped him pick up 37 wickets during 38 career matches and be one more of this younger players that has much time to grow. Closing it out, Gift Kansonkho and Blessing Pondani should bowl some key overs for this side as well.
Threats: Schedule Doesn’t Seem Favorable At All With Tough Opponents
Something that Malawi will have to watch out for is the group that they are in, because a lot of their matches won’t be favored on their side. Placed amongst teams like Namibia, who are aiming to make their 4th straight T20I World Cup, and Kenya, these two have experience playing at much bigger stages than Malawi.
With more popular names as well, it may be tough for Malawi to create any sort of upset unless they really lock in, plus create pressure from the front. Knowing that even Nigeria is in their group, this could lead to further problems during the first three matches because that is another side extremely hungry to make noise and provide upsets.
Malawi Squad: Aaftab Limdawala, Sami Sohail, Donnex Kansonkho, Saleem Nihute, Muhammad Kazim Somani, Phillip Zuze, Mike Choamba, Suhail Vayani, Bright Balala, Chisomo Tchale, Kelvin Thuchila, Daniel Jakiel, Gift Kansonkho, Precious Sapesa, Blessing Pondani
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