05/06/2026
ESWATINI STORMS TO THE TOP OF THE TABLE! CAN ANYONE STOP THE HOSTS?
The inaugural ECA Ubuntu Tri-Nations T20I Series 2026 has produced thrilling cricket, explosive batting performances and unforgettable moments at the beautiful Malkerns Country Club Oval. After three exciting match days, Team Eswatini has emerged as the team to beat, sitting proudly at the top of the standings heading into the final stretch of the tournament.
MATCH DAY 1 RECAP
The tournament opened with the hosts, Eswatini taking on Mozambique in the 1st T20I. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Eswatini produced a batting masterclass, posting an impressive 237/4 from their 20 overs. Mozambique fought bravely in pursuit but fell short, finishing on 199/5 as Eswatini secured a convincing 38-run victory.
The star of the show was captain Adil Butt whose magnificent 116 runs from just 58 deliveries earned him the Player of the Match award and set the tone for the tournament.
The afternoon fixture saw Mozambique face Lesotho in the 2nd T20I. After being invited to bat first, Mozambique made Lesotho pay dearly for the decision, posting a formidable 217/4 from their allotted overs. Lesotho never recovered from the pressure of chasing such a massive total and were bowled out for 107 in 15.3 overs.
Mozambique secured a dominant 110-run victory, with Joao Jorge Hou stealing the spotlight with a breathtaking 126 from only 55 balls to claim the Player of the Match award.
MATCH DAY 2 RECAP
The morning fixture featured Eswatini against Lesotho in the 3rd T20I. With Lesotho desperate for their first win and Eswatini eager to maintain their winning momentum, fans were treated to a fiercely contested encounter.
Batting first, Eswatini posted a strong total of 221/8 from their 20 overs. Lesotho fought hard but could only reach 137/6 at the end of their innings. Eswatini claimed an impressive 84-run victory and continued their unbeaten run.
The afternoon brought one of the most anticipated clashes of the series as Eswatini took on Mozambique in the 4th T20I. In a highly competitive match, Mozambique managed to hand the hosts their first defeat of the tournament, winning by 5 wickets and keeping the race for the title wide open.
MATCH DAY 3 RECAP
The morning encounter saw Mozambique once again face Lesotho. Despite signs of improvement from Lesotho, Mozambique continued their strong form and secured victory by 22 runs, condemning Lesotho to another defeat.
In the afternoon, Eswatini and Lesotho met again in the 6th T20I match of the series. After winning the toss, Lesotho elected to bat first, a decision that quickly backfired.
Eswatini's bowlers produced a clinical display, dismissing Lesotho for just 91 runs in 14 overs. Although Lesotho managed to remove several key Eswatini batters early in the chase, the hosts comfortably reached the target in only 8.1 overs, sealing a commanding 7-wicket victory.
CURRENT STANDINGS
🥇 Eswatini
🥈 Mozambique
🥉 Lesotho
With three victories from four matches, Eswatini sits proudly at the summit of the table, while Mozambique remains firmly in contention for the title. Lesotho will be looking to finish the tournament strongly and secure a memorable victory before the competition concludes.
TODAY IS A REST DAY
After three days of exciting cricket action, teams will enjoy a well-deserved rest day today before returning to battle tomorrow for the final round of matches.
The series will conclude on Sunday at the Malkerns Country Club Oval, where champions will be crowned and history will be made in the inaugural edition of the ECA Ubuntu Tri-Nations T20I Series.
