World Cup: Huge learning curve for Botswana

African women's team imbibe crucial lessons as it watches World Cup match in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Irrespective of the teams playing, blue has been the predominant colour at the M Chinnaswamy stadium during this World Cup. The Botswana women's cricket team added another hue of blue on Thursday during New Zealand's crucial match against Sri Lanka.
Most of the players in the 15-member team of the landlocked country in southern Africa, hadn't travelled outside the continent until this month.To the many firsts of their lives in recent times, they added witnessing a men's World Cup match. The contingent, which is preparing for the Africa Finals qualifier for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, to be held in Uganda next month, is on a two-week trip to the city.
The team, which is currently training and playing practice matches at the Samprasiddhi Sports Estadio, was at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Thursday, seeking inspiration as they prepare for a shot at history - to make it to their maiden T20 World Cup.
Team coach Stanley Timoni, said, "The team wanted to watch a World Cup match and the Karnataka State Cricket Association was accommodative of our request and gave us passes. Having seen these players on television, it is a huge moment for our players to watch them live."
The team came armed with their national flag to showcase it to the world. "Not many people know how it looks or where Botswana is," said Shameelah Mosweu, who is the vice-captain of the team.
An ardent follower of Australian stalwart Alyssa Healy and West Indies great Brian Lara, the 27-year-old said, "I've watched a Women's World Cup match in Cape Town, but this my first time at a men's event. It is very exciting to watch the match. It is a huge learning curve for us. Many countries in this World Cup have taught us crucial lessons on belief and punching above your weight."
Skipper Laura Mophakedi pointed out that the match was more like an educational excursion for the team. "There is so much that is said and taught during training. But at matches such as this, we learn a lot about execution. It is hugely motivating."
The Virat Kohli fan added, "We hope to go back richer in quality of our game and experience."