Botswana vs Malawi – Match Preview – 7th Place Play-off, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 08:30 GMT (1:00 PM IST)
Venue: Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

Match Context

The Botswana vs Malawi clash marks the 7th place play-off in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final. This match offers both teams the opportunity to cap off their tournament with a meaningful result, while also providing a final showcase of their T20 capabilities on the regional stage.

The game will take place at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, a venue known for its fair-paced surface that generally favors balanced play between batting and bowling sides. With the African qualifiers gaining momentum in T20 cricket, this match is expected to be a competitive and entertaining affair.

Team Analysis

Botswana

Botswana has had a mixed tournament so far, showing glimpses of strong batting but struggling with consistency in the middle overs. Their bowlers have been the standout performers, particularly in death overs, where they have often limited oppositions to below-par totals. Key players like Samuel Mochake and Mpho Moloi have been instrumental with the ball, while Tshepiso Masalela has provided a solid top-order presence.

Botswana will enter the match hoping to capitalize on Malawi’s inexperience and make a statement in the tournament.

Malawi

Malawi has impressed with their aggressive approach and youthful energy. Their batting lineup has shown flair, with Kalema Mwakapenda and Nkosi Banda leading the charge with the bat. Malawi has also improved significantly in the bowling department, with Chikondi Chisala and Chiwala Mwale offering control and variation.

The team has shown a tendency to chase well, and if they can post a competitive total, they could pose a challenge for Botswana.

Key Match-up

• Samuel Mochake (Botswana) vs Kalema Mwakapenda (Malawi): This battle between the two key openers will be crucial in setting the tone for the innings.
• Mpho Moloi (Botswana) vs Chikondi Chisala (Malawi): A duel between the wicket-taking all-rounders who are vital to the teams’ bowling plans.
• Fielding and Fitness: Both teams have fielded well in their previous games, and errors could prove costly in a tight contest.

Weather and Pitch Conditions

The pitch at Takashinga Sports Club is generally flat and offers consistent bounce, making it a batting-friendly surface. With the temperature expected to be mild and no rain in the forecast, both teams can expect optimal conditions for a high-scoring encounter.

Prediction

This match promises to be a tight and tactical battle between two emerging T20 sides in African cricket. Botswana’s experience in tight matches could give them the edge, but Malawi’s hunger and aggressive approach might disrupt their rhythm. The result may well come down to who executes their game plan more effectively on the day.

Prediction: Botswana by 6-8 runs

How to Watch

• Live Streaming: Botswana vs Malawi Live
• Time (GMT): 08:30
• Venue: Takashinga Sports Club, Harare

Stay tuned for live updates, player ratings, and post-match analysis right here.
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