Brazil Women secured the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 title with a tense three-wicket victory over Botswana Women in the final at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1 in Gaborone. In a match dominated by bowlers, Botswana were dismissed for just 37, but pushed Brazil hard before the chase was completed.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Botswana struggled from the outset. Keletso Raphapha fell for a duck in the opening over, and the innings never recovered as Brazil maintained tight lines and sharp fielding to keep the pressure on. The top order failed to settle, with wickets falling regularly.
Brazil Bowlers Dominate Early
Botswana’s innings lacked partnerships, with only Mpho Modise offering some resistance, scoring 12 not out off 14 balls, including two boundaries. The rest of the batting line-up struggled to score freely.
Lindsay Boas led the bowling effort with figures of 3 for 9 in 2 overs, playing a key role in dismantling the batting order. She was supported by Lara Moisés and Marianne Artur, who picked up two wickets each, as Botswana were bowled out for 37 in 11.1 overs.
Shadrack Sparks Fightback
Chasing a modest target of 38, Brazil appeared set for a straightforward win, but Botswana captain Tuelo Shadrack produced a remarkable spell to bring her side back into the contest. She claimed 4 wickets for 7 runs in 4 overs, including a maiden, removing both top and middle-order batters.
Brazil’s innings faltered under pressure, slipping to 17 for 5 and later 35 for 7, as Botswana threatened an unlikely comeback.
Late Calm Seals Victory
Amid the collapse, Marianne Artur provided composure with a crucial 9 off 6 balls, while Roberta Moretti Avery remained unbeaten on 8. The pair guided Brazil through the closing stages, gradually edging towards the target.
Brazil reached 38 for 7 in 9.5 overs, sealing a three-wicket win despite sustained pressure from Botswana’s bowlers and fielders.
Key Highlights
- Botswana Women bowled out for 37 in 11.1 overs
- Brazil Women chased 38, finishing on 38/7
- Tuelo Shadrack took 4/7 in a standout spell
- Lindsay Boas claimed 3/9 in the first innings
- Brazil won the final by three wickets
Boas was named Player of the Match for her role in the first-innings collapse, which proved decisive despite Botswana’s late fightback. The final underlined the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even a low target can produce a closely contested finish.
