Malawi’s higher world ranking (6) showed in their convincing 62-48 win over Fiji (19) in a Pool F match at the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town.
The Queens’ experienced squad of 12 players just had too much firepower for the Pearls. Malawi have a combined total of 23 previous World Cups played by 10 players which is the most of any team in Cape Town. The average of 71 caps per player is also the most of any country at the tournament.
The first quarter set the tone for Malawi's dominance as they raced ahead. Their shooters of Joyce Mvula and Mwai Kumwenda exhibited incredible accuracy, converting most of their scoring opportunities. The Fiji defenders had no answer for the speed and precision with which the Queens moved the ball into their goal circle.
The next 15 minutes saw Malawi solidify their lead with composed play. Jane Dambo and Towera Vinkhumbo were solid on defence, denying the Fijian shooters any breathing space. The Queens went into the break with a comfortable 36-23 cushion.
Fiji came out all guns blazing in the penultimate quarter intent on not simply handing Malawi an easy victory. Goal shooter Maliana Rusivakula shot with great accuracy, not missing any of her attempts and the Pearls started closing the gap. They shared the spoils with the Queens in the third quarter (11-11) but with the African team still with their noses in front on the overall scorecard.
In the final 15 minutes, the Malawian mid-court players demonstrated great ball control and created even more scoring opportunities while at the same time limiting Fiji's chances to counterattack. Centre Takondwa Lwazi, who was on court for all four quarters despite playing with a heavily strapped right knee, was instrumental in linking Malawi’s attacking and defensive combinations. She was finally given a rest with seven minutes remaining in the match.
While Fiji had more than 50 per cent of the ball in the last quarter, it was Malawi who had the better of possession throughout the match, giving their shooters enough chances to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Every match at this stage of the World Cup is essentially a must-win to claim one of the top spots in the pool. Malawi is up against world No 1 Australia tomorrow in what is promising to be an interesting match.
Most Valuable Player: Mwai Kumwenda
Goal Shooting Percentage: Malawi 92.5 per cent / Fiji 92.3 per cent
Penalty Count (Contact and Obstruction): Malawi 53 / Fiji 45
Quarter scores: 20-10 / 36-23 / 47-34 / 62-48