Mozambique Clinch 22 runs Win in a Thriller
Mozambique have won by 22 runs. Mozambique batted first and posted 200/5 in 20 overs. Lesotho, chasing 201, fell short at 178/3 in 20 overs.
Farruque Nhaduate was the standout in the first innings, scoring 78 off 43 balls (SR 181). 5 sixes and 9 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 56 runs.
Mohammad Maaz Khan fought hard with 96 off 45 balls, but it was not enough to haul Lesotho over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Camate Bez Raposo delivered figures of 2/9 in 4 overs (Econ 2.3). A tidy spell that kept the pressure on throughout.
LST lead the series 6-4. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
Over 8 of the first innings was the inflection point — 19 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
96 off 45 balls (SR 213), 9 fours, 7 sixes
2/9 in 4 overs (Econ: 2.25)
78 off 43 balls (SR 181), 9 fours, 5 sixes
Verdict
Mozambique showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Lesotho will rue missed opportunities — a 22 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. LST lead the series 6-4. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.