Gaborone based teams Nkwe and Tshkudu set up a local final in the inaugural National 50 Overs tournament by overcoming their northern counterparts.
The two Gaborone teams pulled off comprehensive victories in the semi-finals that were played this past weekend in Gaborone and Francistown. The first semi final was played in Gaborone between Nkwe and Thutlwa.
Nkwe who topped the Southern region, hosted the runners-up from the North, Thutlwa who travelled from Selebi Phikwe to honour their fixture. Thutlwa won the toss and elected to bat first and found themselves in a spot of bother at one stage when they were 120 for 8 but a stoic 9th wicket partnership between Jay Nani and Jakir helped them to a respectable 247 all out in 49.2 overs; (Nani 64 runs & Jakir 51 runs.
Mansoor took 4 wickets whilst Dhruv took 2 wickets). Nkwe were determined to salvage their pride after having let their opponents off towards the end of their innings and responded with 248 for the loss of 3 wickets in 38 overs; (Rahat 136 not out & James Moses 32 not out. Nani took 1 wicket) Nkwe won by 7 wickets.
Man of the Match for his batting performance was Rahat. In the other semi-final, Kubu, from Francistown, who topped the Northern region, hosted the runners-up from the South, Tshukudu who travelled from Gaborone to honour their fixture.
Due to the weather conditions the night before, the start of the game was delayed and ultimately reduced to a 40 overs match. Tshukudu won the toss and elected to Bat first.
Their intention to secure a spot in the Finals was made clear from the start with all their batsmen contributing effectively posting a huge total of 310 for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 40 overs; (Karabo Modise 103 runs, Shahnawaz 63 runs and Inayat 36 runs. Salman Malik & Safi Sheikh took 2 wickets apiece).  
Kubu had to go about their business with a matter of urgency if they were to make an attempt of chasing their target but unfortunately could only reply with 205 all out in 38.5 overs; (Zakaria 46 runs, Safi Sheikh 36 runs & Salman Malik 28 runs.
Imjad & Waseem Tajbhay took the 3 wickets apiece & Taheer 2 wickets). Tshukudu won by 105 runs. Man of the Match was Karabo Modise. The Finals will be played at the Botswana Cricket Association Oval between both Gaborone based teams, Nkwe and Tshukudu at a date to be announced soon.
