Global AI Race and China's Strategic Advantage in Critical Minerals The world is locked in a fierce competition to dominate artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicle (EV) technologies, with critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel serving as the backbone of these innovations. While nations worldwide scramble to secure these resources, China has quietly positioned itself as a strategic leader, leveraging its control over supply chains and manufacturing capabilities to secure a dominant position in the global tech race. China's Dominance in Critical Minerals A recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlights China's aggressive acquisition of critical minerals, which are essential for AI hardware, batteries, and EV production. Chinese companies have invested heavily in securing access to lithium in Argentina, cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and nickel in Indonesia and Australia. For instance, Chinese firms have acquired significant stakes in Botswana’s lithium reserves and are expanding their operations in the Americas to tap into lithium deposits. This strategic move has allowed China to dominate the global supply chain for these materials, giving it a competitive edge in manufacturing AI-driven technologies and EVs. The report notes that China’s control over these resources has enabled it to reduce dependency on Western suppliers, while simultaneously exporting finished products to global markets. Western Nations' Response and Challenges The United States and its allies have recognized the strategic importance of critical minerals but face significant challenges in reducing their reliance on Chinese imports. In February 2026, U.S.#china #indonesia #botswana #center_for_strategic_and_international_studies #democratic_republic_of_congo
Brazil Bowler Laura Cardoso Shatters T20 Women’s International Record with Nine-Wicket Haul Brazil’s Laura Cardoso etched her name into cricket history with a record-breaking nine-wicket haul in a T20 Women’s International against Lesotho during the BCA Kalahari Women’s T20 International Tournament in Botswana. The 21-year-old right-arm seamer’s performance, which included a hat-trick and five consecutive dismissals, secured a dominant 189-run victory for Brazil, who posted a formidable total of 202-8 in their innings. Wicketkeeper Monnike Machado contributed 69 off 41 balls to anchor the innings, setting the stage for Brazil’s emphatic response. Cardoso’s dominance began with a hat-trick in her first over, the second of Lesotho’s innings, as she dismissed three batters in quick succession. The momentum shifted further when she claimed five consecutive wickets in her second over, a feat that had never been achieved in a Women’s T20 International. This streak of dismissals, which included four wickets in the final two balls of her second over, propelled Brazil to a commanding position. Lesotho’s innings collapsed rapidly, with the team bowled out for just 13 runs, marking the lowest total in a T20 International. Despite her stellar performance, Cardoso was unable to complete a perfect nine-wicket haul due to a change in bowling strategy after her third over. Her final dismissal came on the fifth ball of the fifth over, with the bowler replaced for the following over. Nevertheless, her achievement of nine wickets in the match surpassed the previous record, which had been held by Indonesia’s Rohmalia Rohmalia, who had taken seven wickets in a T20 International against Mongolia in 2024.#botswana #lesotho #laura_cardoso #monnike_machado #bcakalahari_womenst20_international_tournament
Botswana Wins First T20I Against Lesotho in 2026 Tour Botswana secured a thrilling victory over Lesotho in the first T20I of the Lesotho tour on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1 in Gaborone. The hosts triumphed by six wickets, showcasing their batting prowess and composure under pressure. The match, which started at 9:30 AM local time, saw Botswana dominate the innings, finishing with a total of 158 runs. Lesotho, despite a valiant effort, fell short of the target, with their bowlers struggling to contain the flow of runs. The innings began with a strong start from Botswana’s openers, who set the tone for the team’s aggressive approach. Phemelo Silas and Thatayaone Tshose laid the foundation, building a solid partnership in the powerplay. However, the breakthrough came when Valentine Mbazo was dismissed for 4 runs in the fifth over, caught by Azim Patel off the bowling of Ayaj Patel. This wicket marked a turning point, as Lesotho’s bowlers began to lose their grip on the strike. Botswana’s middle order stepped up to ensure a comfortable finish. Mohammed Jamadar and Ayaj Patel continued to rotate the strike effectively, while the lower order added crucial runs to the total. The team’s ability to maintain momentum throughout the innings proved decisive, as they reached the target with ease. Lesotho’s bowlers faced challenges in containing the aggressive batting, with the hosts’ middle order capitalizing on every opportunity. The final score of 158 runs highlighted Botswana’s dominance, as they managed to secure a comprehensive win in the first match of the series. The result sets the stage for an exciting second T20I, where Lesotho will look to bounce back and level the series.#botswana #lesotho #botswana_cricket_association_oval_1 #gaborone #t20i
