Cameroon Women vs Malawi Women - 12th Match (T20)

Date: June 6, 2025

Match Summary

Malawi Women defeated Cameroon Women by 6 wickets in a low-scoring encounter. Cameroon struggled to put up a competitive total, with Michelle Ekani (28 runs) and Marguerite Bessala (23 runs) leading their batting effort. Malawi chased down the target comfortably, thanks to solid contributions from Lidia Dimba (25 runs) and Sugeni Kananji (23* runs). The bowlers dominated, with Eva Kabwere and Christina Bwanali picking 2 wickets each for Malawi.

Detailed Narrative

First Innings: Cameroon Women's Struggles with the Bat

Cameroon Women batted first after Malawi Women won the toss and opted to bowl. The batting lineup failed to build any substantial partnerships, and wickets kept falling at regular intervals:

1. Early Wickets:

   • Madaleine Sissako (3), Bernadette Mbida (2), and Brenda Waluma (3) were dismissed early, leaving Cameroon in trouble.
   • Michelle Ekani anchored the innings, scoring a patient 28 runs off 45 balls, including 2 boundaries.

2. Middle-Order Contributions:

   • Marguerite Bessala provided some fireworks with 23 runs off just 15 balls, hitting 3 fours and a six. Her quick cameo gave Cameroon a slight boost.

3. Collapse:

   • The lower order couldn’t hold on, and Cameroon Women were bowled out for 72 runs in 19 overs.

Bowling Highlights for Malawi Women:

• Eva Kabwere and Christina Bwanali were the standout bowlers, picking 2 wickets each.
• Lidia Dimba also chipped in with 2 wickets while maintaining an economy of 3.5.

Second Innings: Malawi Women Chase Comfortably

Chasing 73, Malawi Women started strong but faced some early hiccups.

1. Lidia Dimba’s Contribution:

   • Opening the innings, Lidia Dimba played a crucial knock of 25 runs off 21 balls, hitting 5 boundaries.
   • She was eventually dismissed LBW by Olive Ranedoumoun.

2. Steady Middle Order:

   • Sugeni Kananji anchored the chase with an unbeaten 23 runs off 27 balls, ensuring there were no late surprises.

3. Wickets Along the Way:

   • Cameroon Women managed to pick up 4 wickets, with Olive Ranedoumoun (2 wickets) and Bernadette Mbida (1 wicket) leading the charge.

Bowling Highlights for Cameroon Women:

• Olive Ranedoumoun picked 2 wickets while conceding just 12 runs in her 3 overs.

Key Moments of the Match

• Best Bowling Performance: Eva Kabwere (3 overs, 7 runs, 2 wickets) and Christina Bwanali (2 overs, 7 runs, 2 wickets) were outstanding with the ball.
• Notable Batting Performances:
  • Michelle Ekani (28) and Marguerite Bessala (23) stood out for Cameroon Women.
  • Lidia Dimba (25) and Sugeni Kananji (23*) ensured Malawi’s successful chase.
• Fielding Brilliance: Lidia Dimba and Euless Chilarile contributed with crucial catches and a run-out respectively.

Match Insights

• Turning Point: Malawi’s disciplined bowling in the first innings restricted Cameroon to a below-par total, setting up an easy chase.
• Player of the Match: While not explicitly mentioned, Lidia Dimba could be a worthy candidate for her all-round contribution (25 runs and 2 catches).

Conclusion

Malawi Women showcased great teamwork, with their bowlers dominating the first innings and batters delivering a composed chase. It's a match that highlighted the importance of disciplined bowling and steady partnerships in cricket.