Nigeria vs Botswana Prediction: Who Will Win NIG vs BOTS 5th Place PlayOff T20 Match on 2nd October 2025?
The much-awaited clash for the 5th Place PlayOff is set as Nigeria faces Botswana in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025. Both teams are aiming to end their campaign on a positive note. This Nigeria vs Botswana prediction highlights team previews, squads, fantasy tips, and match insights. The 5th Place PlayOff T20 is scheduled for Thursday, 2nd October 2025 at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Match Details
| Match | NIG vs BOTS, 5th Place PlayOff T20, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 |
| Time | 1:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Takashinga Sports Club, Harare |
| Broadcast | Fancode |
Team Previews
Nigeria Preview
Nigeria has been a spirited side in the African T20 circuit, known for their aggressive starts but inconsistency in the middle order. They finished 3rd in Group B and now look to bounce back strongly. Their batting has relied heavily on Sulaimon Runsewe, who leads the scoring charts for them with 106 runs in this competition. Alongside him, Isaac Danladi has been their most reliable performer, contributing both with the bat and ball, and also leading the wicket-takers with 5 scalps.
In their last outing against Kenya, Nigeria posted 147/7 with Danladi’s fluent 53 being the highlight. However, their bowling unit failed to contain Kenya’s chase, as experienced players Rakep Patel and Bhudia took the game away comfortably. This has exposed Nigeria’s weakness — defending totals under pressure.
Despite this, Nigeria have shown signs of improvement compared to earlier campaigns. The bowling trio of Peter Aho, Sylvester Okpe, and Abdulrahman Jimoh are capable of striking early blows, but they need consistency. The team’s major strength remains their ability to seize momentum quickly through aggressive powerplay batting and variations in pace during the middle overs.
If Nigeria manages to balance their top-order scoring with tighter middle-overs bowling, they will fancy themselves favorites against Botswana.
Key Players: Sulaimon Runsewe, Isaac Danladi, Peter Aho, Sylvester Okpe
Botswana Preview
Botswana’s campaign has been disappointing, as they finished bottom of Group A. Their batting has looked fragile, often crumbling under pressure. The one shining light has been Vinoo Balakrishnan, who has carried the team’s batting with 93 runs in the competition. Unfortunately, support from other batters has been minimal, which has cost Botswana dearly.
In their most recent game against Uganda, Botswana posted just 81/6 in 20 overs. While Balakrishnan showed resistance with 24 runs, the rest of the lineup failed miserably. Their bowlers tried to make inroads, but Uganda chased down the total with ease, winning by 8 wickets inside 13 overs.
Bowling has been led by Boemo Khumalo, who picked up 3 wickets in the tournament. Skipper Karabo Motlhanka and all-rounder Thatayaone Tshose will need to take more responsibility, especially against Nigeria’s aggressive batters.
The team’s biggest challenge has been adapting to strong opponents. They need partnerships at the top and discipline in bowling if they are to compete in this playoff clash.
Key Players: Vinoo Balakrishnan, Karabo Motlhanka, Thatayaone Tshose, Boemo Khumalo
Nigeria Squad
Sylvester Okpe, Peter Aho, Abdulrahman Jimoh, Ridwan Kareem, Solomon Chilemanya, Joshua Asia, Prosper Useni, Vincent Adewoye, David Ankrah, Isaac Okpe, Sulaimon Runsewe, Isaac Danladi, Selim Salau, Emmanuel Udekwe, Joseph Adedeji
Botswana Squad
Karabo Motlhanka (c), Reginald Nehonde, Abednico Motshegetsi, Karabo Modise, Monroux Kasselman, Losika Makgale, Thatayaone Tshose, Tharindu Perera, Katlo Piet, Boemo Khumalo, Alfred Kgosiemang, Bothle Keganne, Dhruvkumar Maisuria, Vinoo Balakrishnan, Jack Richards
Probable Playing XI
Nigeria: Sulaimon Runsewe, Isaac Danladi, Peter Aho, Sylvester Okpe, Abdulrahman Jimoh, Ridwan Kareem, Joshua Asia, Prosper Useni, Vincent Adewoye, David Ankrah, Joseph Adedeji
Botswana: Karabo Motlhanka, Vinoo Balakrishnan, Reginald Nehonde, Abednico Motshegetsi, Thatayaone Tshose, Karabo Modise, Boemo Khumalo, Dhruvkumar Maisuria, Losika Makgale, Alfred Kgosiemang, Jack Richards
Nigeria vs Botswana Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Sulaimon Runsewe | Batter (Captain) |
| Isaac Danladi | All-Rounder (Vice-Captain) |
| Peter Aho | Bowler |
| Sylvester Okpe | All-Rounder |
| Ridwan Kareem | Batter |
| Karabo Motlhanka | Batter |
| Vinoo Balakrishnan | Batter |
| Thatayaone Tshose | All-Rounder |
| Boemo Khumalo | Bowler |
| Abdulrahman Jimoh | Bowler |
| Prosper Useni | Bowler |
Explanation:
- Captain Options: Sulaimon Runsewe (consistent runs), Isaac Danladi (all-round value).
- Vice-Captain Options: Isaac Danladi, Vinoo Balakrishnan.
- Players to Avoid: Alfred Kgosiemang (out of form), Solomon Chilemanya (limited opportunities).
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Nigeria enter this clash as favorites due to their stronger batting depth and all-round balance. Their key players like Runsewe and Danladi have been consistent throughout the tournament, providing both runs and wickets. The team also has variety in its bowling attack, which will be crucial on the Takashinga pitch. On the other hand, Botswana’s reliance on Balakrishnan has left them vulnerable when he fails. Their batting collapses have been frequent, and their bowling lacks the sharpness to restrict stronger batting sides. Nigeria also enjoys a superior head-to-head record, which gives them the psychological edge. With more experience in high-pressure T20 games, Nigeria looks the better side to win today’s playoff.
Nigeria T20 History
Nigeria has played 81 T20 internationals, winning 38 and losing 41, with 2 no results. Over the years, they have developed into one of Africa’s rising cricket nations, known for producing disciplined bowlers and exciting young batters.
Botswana T20 History
Botswana has featured in 56 T20 internationals, with 21 wins and 34 losses. While they have shown glimpses of potential, consistency remains their biggest challenge. Their cricket structure is improving, but they lack match finishers in crunch games.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Nigeria Won | Botswana Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Nigeria has dominated this rivalry, winning 4 out of the 5 encounters, while Botswana managed just 1 win.
Pitch Report
Takashinga Sports Club offers balanced conditions. Batters who settle in can score freely, but bowlers who hit the right lengths get assistance from the surface. A first-innings score of 140+ is competitive here.
Weather Report
Harare weather is expected to be clear with temperatures around 25°C. No rain threat, making it a full 20-over contest.
Toss Prediction
The toss is likely to play a role. Teams prefer batting first at Takashinga to put scoreboard pressure. Nigeria is expected to opt for batting if they win the toss.
Match Prediction
- If Nigeria Bat First: 146+
- If Botswana Bat First: 131+
Winner Prediction: Nigeria Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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