Lesotho Clinch 18 runs Win in a Thriller
Lesotho have won by 18 runs. Lesotho batted first and posted 221/6 in 20 overs. Eswatini, chasing 222, fell short at 203/5 in 20 overs.
Mohammad Maaz Khan was the standout in the first innings, scoring 82 off 31 balls (SR 265). 8 sixes and 6 fours provided the impetus. The powerplay yielded 52 runs.
Adil Butt fought hard with 101 off 60 balls, but it was not enough to haul Eswatini over the line. The required rate climbed too steeply in the end.
With the ball, Adil Butt delivered figures of 3/7 in 2 overs (Econ 3.5). 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 20 of the first innings was the inflection point — 24 runs came off it, shifting the momentum and setting the stage for a total that ultimately proved too much.
Key Performers
101* off 60 balls (SR 168), 10 fours, 5 sixes
3/7 in 2 overs (Econ: 3.50)
82 off 31 balls (SR 265), 6 fours, 8 sixes
Verdict
Lesotho showed composure when it mattered most and deserve this victory. Eswatini will rue missed opportunities — a 18 runs deficit could have been avoided with sharper execution in the key moments. With the series level at 5-5, the next match promises to be an absolute cracker.