Two consecutive wins restore parity for Botswana’s select side against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club.
BONGANI MALUNGA
Baggy Blues Select turned the tables on the touring London-based Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), recovering from two opening defeats to claim consecutive victories during the visitors’ nine-match Botswana tour.
After MCC swept the first two Twenty20 encounters at the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) Oval in Gaborone, the local select side responded emphatically, winning the third fixture by 29 runs before defending 150/8 under floodlights to take the fourth by 12 runs.
The turnaround has levelled the four-match head-to-head at two wins apiece, giving local players a confidence boost against one of cricket’s most recognisable institutions.
SUBDUED START
Baggy Blues made a subdued start, in the opening match, they managed just 99/7 from their allotted 20 overs, allowing MCC to chase down the target with 102/5 in 18.1 overs. Harry Phillips claimed Player of the Match honours.
In the second contest, the visitors tightened their grip. Baggy Blues were dismissed for 102 in 19.5 overs before MCC raced to 105/3 in just 14.2 overs. Will Street took the individual honours as the tourists cruised to a seven-wicket victory.
But the script changed in the third game. Baggy Blues posted a more imposing 132/5, then bowled MCC out for 103 in 18 overs, with Katlo Piet named Player of the Match. Rather than treating that win as a one-off, the hosts backed it up immediately.
Under the lights at BCA Oval 1, they pushed their total to 150/8 and restricted MCC to 138/7, sealing a tense 12-run triumph. Botlhe Keganne earned Player of the Match recognition, completing a striking reversal from the opening two encounters.
IMPROVEMENT
The home side’s improved totals and tighter bowling suggested that they were learning quickly from MCC’s early dominance.
The results underline the competitive value of MCC’s visit, which runs from 6 to 17 October and features nine matches, including two floodlit fixtures in Gaborone. Beyond the scoreboard, the BCA says the programme aims to develop cricket through coaching sessions, school visits and community engagement.
“Beyond the matches, MCC will also be conducting coaching sessions, school visits and community engagements, sharing knowledge and helping inspire the next generation of men’s and women’s cricketers across Botswana. A warm Botswana welcome to the MCC squad and everyone involved in the tour,” the association said.