Minhaz Khojbariya's 4-Wicket Haul Seals It for Eswatini
Eswatini have won by 7 wickets. Lesotho batted first and posted 91/10 in 14 overs. Eswatini chased down 92 in just 8.1 overs.
Lesotho struggled through their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. Lebona Leokaoke top-scored with 31 off 17 balls (SR 182), but lacked support from the other end. The powerplay yielded 28 runs — early wickets put them under pressure from the start.
The chase was clinical. Umair Qasim blazed 28 off 12 balls (SR 233), taking the attack to the bowlers from ball one. Lesotho had no answers as the target was overhauled with relative comfort.
With the ball, Minhaz Khojbariya delivered figures of 4/17 in 3 overs (Econ 5.7). A match-defining spell that tore through the batting order.
EW lead the series 9-1. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.
The Turning Point
The match swung decisively when Lesotho lost 3 wickets in a 4-over passage during the chase. What had been a competitive equation turned into a rearguard action, and from there, the asking rate was always climbing.
Key Performers
31 off 17 balls (SR 182), 6 fours, 0 sixes
4/17 in 3 overs (Econ: 5.67)
28* off 12 balls (SR 233), 6 fours, 0 sixes
Verdict
Eswatini showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Lesotho were outplayed in all departments. A 7 wickets 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. EW lead the series 9-1. The pressure is firmly on the chasing side now.