Match Preview: Malawi Women vs Sierra Leone Women – 2025 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Region Division Two Qualifier

Date & Time: 24 July 2025, 12:50 PM GMT
Venue: Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1, Gaborone
Format: T20 – 2nd Semifinal

Match Context

The 2nd Semifinal of the 2025 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Africa Region Division Two Qualifier will see Malawi Women take on Sierra Leone Women in a high-stakes clash. This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure a spot in the final and continue their journey toward international qualification.

Head-to-Head Record

The teams have previously met on two notable occasions:

• 07/06/2025: Sierra Leone Women won by 4 wickets with 28 balls to spare.
• 23/08/2018: Sierra Leone Women won by 56 runs in a dominant display.

This record gives Sierra Leone a psychological edge and suggests that they are historically the stronger side in these encounters.

Match Prediction

Prediction: Sierra Leone Women to Win
Prediction Runs: 58/100
Average Runs (Expected Total): 120

Sierra Leone’s recent performances and historical superiority in their previous meetings make them the firm favorites. They are expected to post a competitive total and then defend it effectively, especially if the pitch favors batting as it often does in Gaborone.

Team Form & Performance

Malawi Women:
While the last six match performances are not specified, Malawi will be eager to overcome their past struggles against Sierra Leone. Their batters will need to show resilience and consistency, while the bowlers must step up in key moments.

Sierra Leone Women:
Sierra Leone come into this match with confidence, having won both previous encounters against Malawi. Their balanced squad, with capable openers and a strong middle order, gives them the firepower to chase down totals and build competitive scores. The bowling unit is also expected to play a crucial role in restricting the opposition.

Toss & Pitch Report

• Toss Prediction: Sierra Leone Women are expected to win the toss and choose to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total under favorable batting conditions.
• Pitch Conditions: Gaborone’s pitch typically offers good carry and bounce, with minimal assistance for spinners in the early overs. It favors batters, which could lead to a high-scoring contest.

Key Players to Watch

• Malawi Women:

  • Opener: A consistent start will be key.
  • Middle Order: Needs to stabilize the innings.
  • All-Rounders: Must contribute with both bat and ball.

• Sierra Leone Women:

  • Openers: Expected to launch the innings with aggression.
  • Captain/Anchor Batswoman: Likely to guide the team through the middle overs.
  • Bowling Attack: The key to stifling Malawi’s scoring momentum.

Fantasy Tips

• Top Batting Picks:

  • Sierra Leone’s opener
  • Malawi’s anchor batter

• Top Bowling Picks:

  • Sierra Leone’s left-arm spinner or pacer
  • Malawi’s match-winner in the death overs

• Wicketkeeper/Fielder:

  • Any player with strong fielding stats and a reliable run-out record.

Conclusion

Sierra Leone Women enter this match as the stronger side, with a clear advantage in form and head-to-head history. Malawi will have to overcome past challenges and deliver a near-perfect performance to upset the odds. With the toss likely in Sierra Leone’s favor and the pitch supporting batting, this should be an exciting and decisive encounter.

Prediction Summary:
Sierra Leone Women to Win by 4-5 wickets
Final Score Prediction: Sierra Leone Women 135/7 vs Malawi Women 128/9

Stay tuned for live updates, player reactions, and post-match analysis right here!
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