Zimbabwe vs Botswana T20 7th Match, 2025

Zimbabwe vs Botswana T20 7th Match Details

  • Date: 28 September 2025
  • Time: 01:50 PM local time (Harare)
  • Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Series Context: This fixture is part of the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final (Africa qualifier).

Also read- Uganda vs Tanzania T20I 5th Match 2025 Prediction

Zimbabwe vs Botswana: Historical Context & Head-to-Head

Zimbabwe, as a full-member cricket nation, has considerably more experience in international T20 cricket compared to Botswana.

In the Africa regional qualifier tournaments, Zimbabwe generally enters as a favorite given its stronger infrastructure, deeper talent pool, and regular exposure to higher-quality opposition.

Botswana is an associate team with limited exposure against full members or stronger associate sides. In prior Africa qualifier events, Botswana has often struggled, especially against the more established teams.

There is no extensive documented history of high-stakes clashes between Zimbabwe and Botswana in T20 internationals, so much of the rivalry is shaped in this tournament phase. The disparity in experience tends to work in Zimbabwe’s favor.

Zimbabwe also comes into this event as host of the Africa regional finals. Home advantage, local familiarity, crowd support, and conditions should benefit them.

Moreover, Zimbabwe in recent times has shown strong T20 performances, including once posting a world-record 344 for 4 in a T20I against The Gambia.

That sort of batting capacity underscores their firepower when conditions hold.

Venue & Conditions (Harare Sports Club)

Harare Sports Club is a regular international venue in Zimbabwe. It has a capacity of around 10,000 and is often used for Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

The pitch is usually batting-friendly, especially in the powerplay overs, but tends to assist spinners or slower bowlers as the innings progress due to wear and variable bounce.

Typical scores in T20 matches at Harare often range from 160 to 190, depending on pitch and outfield conditions.

The toss might have significance—teams chasing could benefit, but defending totals is also possible if the attack is sharp.

Dew may also play a role late in evening matches, making the ball skid and spin less effectively.

Team Form & Strengths

Zimbabwe

Strengths:

  • Strong batting depth with hitters across the order
  • Experienced players who have played in high-stakes tournaments
  • Balanced spin and pace options
  • Home conditions advantage

Risks:

  • Overconfidence could cause slip-ups
  • The middle order may face pressure if early wickets fall
  • Bowling discipline is crucial against fearless batting

Botswana

Strengths:

  • Less pressure as underdogs, allowing free play
  • Potential surprise factor with aggressive batting or variation bowling
  • Can capitalize if Zimbabwe loses top-order wickets early

Risks:

  • Limited exposure at this level
  • Lack of depth in both batting and bowling
  • Struggles in maintaining consistency under pressure

Zimbabwe vs Botswana: Probable Playing Elevens

Zimbabwe (Probable XI)Botswana (Probable XI)
Clive Madande (wk)Karabo Moremi (wk)
Brian BennettGaopalelwe Gaborone
Tadiwanashe MarumaniLetsie Motholo
Sikandar Raza (c)Nosimabe Pitse
Wessly MadheverePako Tsunami
Richard NgaravaMoeti Moalosi
Sean Williams / all-rounderTebogo Kgonyelela
Victor NyauchiKagiso Mokwena
Blessing MuzarabaniThabo Mathibeli
Wellington MasakadzaTshepo Tsheole
Donald TiripanoKebonye Lekalake

Key Match-Ups

  1. Top order vs new ball bowlers – Zimbabwe’s openers will target Botswana’s seamers early on.
  2. Middle overs control – Botswana’s spinners must restrict runs if they want to stay in the game.
  3. Death overs battle – Zimbabwe’s lower order could prove decisive in the final overs.
  4. Spin vs pace balance – Both teams must adjust quickly to Harare’s spin-friendly conditions.
  5. Pressure handling – Botswana needs to stay composed under pressure to avoid collapse.

Zimbabwe vs Botswana: Prediction

Given the strengths, conditions, and match context, Zimbabwe is the clear favorite. The home ground, experience, stronger bench, and overall depth give them the edge.

Botswana could make things interesting with early wickets or fearless batting, but over 20 overs, Zimbabwe’s firepower should prevail.

Predicted Result: Zimbabwe win by 5–8 wickets if chasing, or by defending a total of 170–190.

FAQ’s

Will the toss be crucial at Harare Sports Club?

Yes, teams often prefer to chase due to the pitch easing later and the potential dew factor.

What is a par score at this venue in T20s?

A score of 160–180 is competitive, while 180+ is often match-winning.

Who is Zimbabwe’s key player to watch?

Sikandar Raza for his all-round contribution and leadership, along with Clive Madande for his batting impact.

Can Botswana pull off an upset?

It’s unlikely but possible. Early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling are key for them.

How many teams qualify from this tournament?

The top two teams in the Africa regional final will qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, joining South Africa who are already qualified as hosts.

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