Cardoso Takes 9 Wickets in Brazil's T20I Rout of Lesotho

In Gaborone, Botswana, on April 9, 2026, Brazilian fast bowler Laura Cardoso delivered a historic performance in the BCA Kalahari Women's T20I Tournament, claiming nine wickets for four runs in just three overs to lead Brazil to a 189-run victory over Lesotho.

Brazil won the toss and elected to bat, posting a total of 202 for eight in their 20 overs. Roberta Avery contributed 48 runs off 35 balls, while wicketkeeper Monnike Machado remained unbeaten on 69 off 41 deliveries, providing a solid foundation for the innings. Lesotho, tasked with chasing the target, collapsed dramatically in their response, bowled out for 13 in 6.2 overs. Opener Boitumelo Tiali was their highest scorer with five runs, and none of the batters reached double figures, with eight dismissed for ducks.

Cardoso, the 21-year-old captain, opened the bowling attack after the first over and dismantled Lesotho's lineup single-handedly. She began with a hat-trick in her second over, taking three wickets in consecutive deliveries. In her next over, she added four more victims, reaching seven wickets. She then claimed two additional scalps in her third over, finishing with figures of nine for four. The only wicket...