Nigeria outclassed Botswana by 44 runs in the 5th Place Play-off First Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final, played at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Thursday.
Batting first, Nigeria set a solid platform with a total of 166 for 8 in 20 overs.
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Despite some early setbacks, the middle order steadied the innings and ensured the scoreboard kept ticking.
A late burst of boundaries in the death overs lifted the West Africans to a competitive total.
In reply, Botswana’s batting faltered against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling attack.
They struggled to maintain momentum and were eventually restricted to 122 for 7 in 20 overs. Katlo Piet’s fighting 22 off 20 balls was the lone highlight in an otherwise subdued batting display.
Jack Richards added 7 runs from 12 deliveries but the chase never threatened Nigeria’s target.
Nigeria’s bowlers impressed with control and variety.
Isaac Okpe held his nerve in the final overs with 3-0-28-0, while Peter Aho bowled a miserly spell of 4-0-24-0, ensuring Botswana’s batsmen were kept in check.
The Nigerian fielders backed up the bowlers with sharp work in the outfield, cutting off runs and keeping pressure on the opposition.
Botswana, meanwhile, will reflect on missed opportunities with the bat as they continue their campaign in Harare.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final resumes with more play-off fixtures, as teams battle for spots in the global qualifiers leading up to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Match Summary
Nigeria: 166/8 (20 overs)
Botswana: 122/7 (20 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 44 runs
Top Scorer (Botswana): Katlo Piet – 22 (20)
Best Bowler (Nigeria): Peter Aho – 4-0-24-0
