Adil Butt's 107 Fires Eswatini to Victory
Eswatini have won by 85 runs. Eswatini batted first and posted 221/8 in 20 overs. Lesotho, chasing 222, fell short at 136/6 in 20 overs.
Adil Butt was the standout in the first innings, scoring 107* off 66 balls (SR 162). 5 sixes and 12 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 54 runs.
Chachole Tlali fought hard with 57 off 42 balls, but it was not enough to haul Lesotho over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Monanthane Lefulere delivered figures of 3/29 in 4 overs (Econ 7.3). Crucial breakthroughs at key moments that shifted the momentum.
With the series level at 5-5, the next match promises to be an absolute cracker.
The Turning Point
Over 2 of the first innings was the inflection point — 20 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
107* off 66 balls (SR 162), 12 fours, 5 sixes
3/29 in 4 overs (Econ: 7.25)
57 off 42 balls (SR 136), 6 fours, 3 sixes
Verdict
Eswatini showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Lesotho were outplayed in all departments. A 85 runs defeat lays bare the gaps in their game — the batting lacked application and the bowling had no answers. Plenty of hard conversations ahead of the next match. With the series level at 5-5, the next match promises to be an absolute cracker.