Brazil Women produced a dominant all-round display to defeat Botswana Women by eight wickets in the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament, with the result largely shaped by a disciplined bowling effort in the first innings.
After being put in to bat, Botswana Women struggled from the outset as Brazil’s bowlers struck early. Laura Mophakedi fell for 5, caught by Lindsay Boas off Maria Ribeiro, while Gratile Kgeresi was dismissed for a duck. Captain Tuelo Shadrack also departed cheaply for 1, leaving Botswana at 8 for 3 inside four overs.
Botswana struggle against disciplined bowling
Pako Mapotsane showed some resistance with 14 runs but was bowled by Lara Moises, who maintained tight control throughout her spell. A brief recovery came through Goabilwe Matome and Amantle Mokgotlhe, who added valuable runs in the middle overs.
Matome remained unbeaten on 30 off 55 balls, while Mokgotlhe contributed 14 off 15. However, the lower order failed to build on that platform, with Marapelo Phiase scoring 8 and Kesego Inakale dismissed for 0, as Botswana were restricted to 85 for 7.
Maria Ribeiro led the bowling effort with figures of 3 for 12 in 4 overs, while Lara Moises returned 2 for 9 in 3 overs. Laura Cardoso also contributed with 2 for 18, ensuring sustained pressure throughout the innings.
The chase that seals victory
Chasing 86, Brazil Women lost an early wicket when Lindsay Boas was dismissed for 12 in 2.1 overs. However, a composed partnership between Laura Agatha and Laura Cardoso steadied the innings.
Agatha scored 10 off 20 balls before Cardoso took control, forming a 35-run stand. Roberta Avery then joined Cardoso, and the pair completed the chase without further trouble.
Cardoso remained unbeaten on 40 off 34 balls, while Avery finished on 15* off 19, as Brazil reached 86 for 2 in 12 overs, sealing victory with 48 balls to spare. Extras also contributed 16 runs to the total.
For Botswana, Tuelo Shadrack and Marapelo Phiase picked up a wicket each, while Matome bowled an economical spell, conceding just 6 runs in her two overs. However, the modest total left little room to challenge Brazil.
