Seven nations gather in Gaborone this April for the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026.
The competition runs from April 6 to 11 with 22 matches across six days.
The Botswana Cricket Association hosts the expanded third edition at their two main grounds.
Sierra Leone Women return to defend the trophy they won in 2025.
Botswana Women get home advantage as they chase redemption after last year’s final defeat.
Brazil Women join as the first non-African team in tournament history.
Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026
Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 – Series Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Edition | 3rd Edition |
| Host Country | Botswana |
| Organizing Body | Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) |
| Dates | April 6-11, 2026 |
| Participating Teams | 7 Nations |
| Team List | Botswana, Brazil, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia |
| Total Fixtures | 22 T20Is (21 league matches + 1 final) |
| Format | Single round-robin, top 2 teams contest final |
| Match Status | Full Women’s T20I Status |
| Grounds | BCA Oval 1 & Oval 2, Gaborone |
| Final Match | April 11, 2026 |
Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 Teams
| Team | Role | Tournament Context |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana Women | Host Nation | Finished runners-up in 2025, home ground benefit |
| Sierra Leone Women | Title Holders | Champions of 2025 Kalahari tournament |
| Malawi Women | ICC Africa Member | Experienced African tournament competitors |
| Zambia Women | ICC Africa Member | Improving southern African team |
| Lesotho Women | ICC Africa Member | Making tournament debut in 2026 |
| Mozambique Women | ICC Africa Member | Participated in 2025 edition |
| Brazil Women | ICC Americas Member | First-time participant from outside Africa |
The tournament expands from four teams in 2025 to seven in 2026. Brazil Women create history as the first team from the Americas to compete in this event. Lesotho Women enter their first Kalahari tournament after missing earlier editions.
Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 Fixtures
The match schedule spreads 22 games across six days using both ovals. Morning fixtures begin at 1:00 PM IST (9:30 AM Gaborone time). Afternoon matches start at 5:30 PM IST (2:00 PM local).
Day 1 – Monday, April 6
| Match | Teams | IST | GMT | Local Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sierra Leone W vs Brazil W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 1 |
| 2 | Lesotho W vs Malawi W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 2 |
| 3 | Botswana W vs Malawi W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 1 |
| 4 | Zambia W vs Mozambique W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 2 |
Day 2 – Tuesday, April 7
| Match | Teams | IST | GMT | Local Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Botswana W vs Sierra Leone W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 1 |
| 6 | Brazil W vs Mozambique W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 2 |
| 7 | Lesotho W vs Zambia W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 1 |
| 8 | Sierra Leone W vs Malawi W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 2 |
Day 3 – Wednesday, April 8
| Match | Teams | IST | GMT | Local Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Botswana W vs Mozambique W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 1 |
| 10 | Brazil W vs Zambia W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 2 |
| 11 | Sierra Leone W vs Lesotho W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 1 |
| 12 | Mozambique W vs Malawi W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 2 |
Day 4 – Thursday, April 9
| Match | Teams | IST | GMT | Local Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Brazil W vs Lesotho W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 1 |
| 14 | Botswana W vs Zambia W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 2 |
| 15 | Malawi W vs Zambia W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 1 |
| 16 | Sierra Leone W vs Mozambique W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 2 |
Day 5 – Friday, April 10
| Match | Teams | IST | GMT | Local Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Brazil W vs Malawi W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 1 |
| 18 | Botswana W vs Lesotho W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 2 |
| 19 | Brazil W vs Botswana W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 1 |
| 20 | Sierra Leone W vs Zambia W | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 2 |
Day 6 – Saturday, April 11
| Match | Teams | IST | GMT | Local Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Lesotho W vs Mozambique W | 1:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 9:30 AM | Oval 1 |
| 22 | FINAL (TBC vs TBC) | 5:30 PM | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Oval 1 |
Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 Format and Rules
The Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 uses a clean round-robin system. All seven teams face each other once during the league phase. This produces 21 matches before the final.
Teams collect points through results. Wins earn two points. Tied matches or abandoned games bring one point each. Losses give zero points.
The top two teams from the league table advance straight to the final on April 11. No semi-final round exists in this format.
Every match counts because the margin for error stays tight. Two early losses can eliminate teams from final contention. Consistent performance across all six league games becomes critical.
All 22 matches carry full ICC Women’s T20I status. Results affect international rankings. Teams earn or lose rating points that influence future World Cup qualification chances.
Venue: Botswana Cricket Association Grounds, Gaborone
The tournament unfolds entirely at Botswana Cricket Association Oval 1 and Oval 2 in Gaborone. Both grounds share the same complex but operate as separate playing areas.
The BCA has invested in developing these facilities over recent years. They successfully hosted the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier in July 2025 with eight competing nations.
The 2025 Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament also ran smoothly at these venues with four teams. The BCA demonstrated capable event management during both competitions.
Both ovals meet T20I standards for international cricket. The pitches support competitive matches.
Gaborone weather in April brings reliable sunshine and minimal rain risk. Playing conditions should remain stable throughout the six-day window.
Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 Live Streaming Platforms: Apps and Sites
Official broadcast announcements have not arrived yet. Based on previous coverage patterns, expect these viewing options:
- FanCode
FanCode typically handles associate cricket coverage for audiences in India. The platform streamed earlier African women’s cricket tournaments.
Indian fans should download the FanCode app and check for confirmed streaming before April 6. The service usually announces coverage about one week before tournaments begin.
- ICC.tv
ICC.tv provides international streaming for ICC-sanctioned events. Since all matches hold official T20I status, ICC coverage becomes probable.
Check ICC.tv for availability in your region. Broadcasting rights create geo-restrictions in some countries.
- BCA Social Media
The Botswana Cricket Association may stream matches free through Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. Associate boards frequently use social platforms for direct audience reach.
Follow BCA official channels for tournament news and potential live stream links. Social media often offers the most accessible global viewing option.
Expect broadcast confirmations roughly seven days before the tournament starts.
FAQs
- What are the dates for the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026?
The tournament takes place from April 6 to 11, 2026, over six days in Gaborone, Botswana.
- How many teams participate in the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026?
Seven teams compete: Botswana, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Brazil.
- Which team won the previous tournament?
Sierra Leone Women won the 2025 Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament by beating Botswana in the final.
- Where can I watch the Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 live?
Likely platforms include FanCode (India), ICC.tv (select regions), and BCA social media channels. Check closer to April 6 for confirmations.
- What competition format does the tournament use?
All teams play each other once in a round-robin. The top two teams from the league table meet in the final.
- Where are the matches being played?
All matches happen at BCA Oval 1 and Oval 2 in Gaborone, Botswana.
Conclusion
The Kalahari Women’s T20I Tournament 2026 brings competitive women’s cricket to Gaborone across six action-packed days.
Seven nations compete for the trophy through 22 T20I matches. Defending champions Sierra Leone Women face pressure from hosts Botswana Women, who want revenge for their 2025 final loss.
Brazil Women enter the tournament as newcomers from South America. Lesotho Women make their competition debut. The expanded field creates higher stakes than previous editions.
Every result impacts ICC rankings and future qualification opportunities. Save April 6 to 11, 2026, for quality African women’s T20I cricket from Botswana.
Also Check:
About the Author
