Cricket team takes on Limpopo Impalas
The men’s cricket team is in Polokwane, South Africa where they face Limpopo Impalas during a weeklong tour. The tour, which kicked off on Sunday, is part of preparations for Africa Cricket Association (ACA) and International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments lined up later this year.
Karabo Motlhanka will continue to lead the team in South Africa with a strong squad named for the tour. The Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) vice president, Sumod Damodar said the decision to play the Limpopo Impalas is part of efforts to organise matches with stronger opponents.
The team is fresh from a tour of Zimbabwe, as the players look to get more game time under their belts. “More match exposure is important in preparation for the forthcoming ACA and ICC tournaments. We want to give players an opportunity to develop skills and for the coach to identify potential players for squad selection,” Damodar said.
The team is a mix of senior and Under-19 players and will give Joseph Angara a chance to pick his squad. “The aim of this tour is part of the preparations for the ICC sub-regional qualifiers, which will be coming towards the end of the tour.
Playing different teams in different higher levels is good for us and also gives the opportunity to the young stars who have made it to the team,” Angara said.
In the first match on Sunday, Botswana lost after being bowled out for 201. The Impalas reached the victory target in the 45th over.
The cricket team was supposed to participate in the ACA Africa Cup in Benoni in February, but the tournament was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Damodar said the tournament is tentatively scheduled for September, while the national team will also be involved in the 2024 T20 World Cup qualifiers.
The Botswana men’s team will be taking part in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa regional qualifiers towards the end of this year. Botswana cricket has been making strides, with captain Motlhanka twice called up to join Zimbabwe’s provincial side, Matabeleland Tuskers, where he made his first-class match debut.
After the tour, Valentine Mbazo, Phemelo Silas, Katlo Piet, and Boteng Maphosa will remain in Polokwane for a two-month placement programme. The squad: Motlhanka (capt), Reginald Nehonde, Hermal Pragji, Mbazo, Rod Mbaiwa, Thatayaone Tshosa, Silas, Dhruv Maisuria, Mmoloki Mooketsi, Piet, Maphosa, Boemo Kgosiemang, Boemo Khumalo and Losika Makgale.