Cricket fanatics will this week be treated to mouth watering GCC T20 semi final matches at the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) oval. The first combat of the matches is slated for Thursday evening at 1900hrs with the second semi finals slated for Friday evening. Semi finalists will have little time to prepare for the final which is scheduled for this Saturday at the BCA oval in the evening.
Culminating in a cut-throat clash against Broadhurst Blasters; G/West Gladiators must turn around their championship hopes after a slim qualifier to the semi finals. It will not be easy for the Gladiators who walk into the match after an embarrassing loss against Blasters in the qualifiers. Crossing fingers in their hope, the Gladiators will be keen to keep Amir Shareef fit and firing at his best after an excellent performance in batting prior to the semis.
Despite Shareef being on top form, Blasters trio in the likes of Arif Malek, Kelvis Zemba and Noor Ahmad have been outstanding throughout the tournament with their batting and bowling respectively. With their bowling strength, Blasters can actually make it to their advantage and get a roll leading to the finals.
Ahmad was on top of his game when the two sides clashed in the qualifiers with his four overs and two wickets for 16 runs that saw Blasters edging over Gladiators by 34 runs.
The other draw has pitted Notwane Ninjas against Phakalane Panthers in what should be a terrific encounter to be played this Friday evening. A sizzling spell by Ninjas Karabo Motlhanka in their past few games should give them courage to search for a place in the finals. Motlhanka’s batting and bowling has proved to be one of the best in the country lately. However, Panthers will be banking on Faisal Rana’s batting to turn tables for them in a match that they stand little chance to win.
Players to watch out for in the semis:
Faisal Rana of Phakalane panthers, the best batsman in the country and very consistent over the years. He can take the game away from any opposition on his given day. He is the captain of his team and his team mates will be expecting a captain’s innings from him.
Elvis Chipfumba of Phakalane Panthers, the quickest bowlers in the country, a nightmare for batsman to face. He had a very strong performance in his last game; the panthers will require more wickets from him at the start of the innings.
Noor Ahmad of Broadhusrt Blasters, the most consistent all-rounder and has been performing very well through-out the tournament. His team will be expecting a lot from him in the semi final as he is an integral part of the Bowling and Batting unit.
Karabo Mothlanka of Notwane Ninjas, the Current captain of the Botswana national team. He is a fantastic left-handed batsman, very elegant to watch. He has already scored a lot of runs in this tournament. His team will be looking for more solid performances from him. His bowling in this tournament has been a bonus for his team.
Thatayaone Tshose of Notwane Ninjas, Botswana’s very own speedster. A very clever young bowler who has really grown in stature as this tournament has progressed. His batting towards the end of the innings has also proved vital. He has picked up “Man of the Match” awards for his team for the last 2 games with good performances.
Sooraj Nair of G-west Gladiators, He is a current member of the Botswana National Team. He has had a quiet tournament by his standards but will be looking to come up with a strong performance in the semi final.
