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
