The Eswatini Tri Series 2026 runs from June 2 to June 7, 2026, with all matches at the Malkerns Country Club Oval in Eswatini. Hosts Eswatini face Lesotho and Mozambique in a triple round-robin T20I format, followed by a final between the top two sides.
Officially branded the ECA Ubuntu Tri-Nation Cup, the tournament carries ICC T20I ranking points and marks the first-ever T20I clash between Lesotho and Mozambique.
Eswatini Tri Series 2026 Schedule At A Glance
Here is the quick-look fixture list for the Eswatini T20 Tri-Series 2026. Furthermore, the venue stays consistent across every game.
| Match | Date | Fixture | Local Start | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tue, Jun 2 | Eswatini vs Mozambique | 11:30 AM SAST | Malkerns |
| 2 | Tue, Jun 2 | Lesotho vs Mozambique | Afternoon slot | Malkerns |
| 3 | Wed, Jun 3 | Eswatini vs Lesotho | 10:45 AM SAST | Malkerns |
| 4 | Wed, Jun 3 | Eswatini vs Mozambique | Afternoon slot | Malkerns |
| 5 | Thu, Jun 4 | Lesotho vs Mozambique | Morning slot | Malkerns |
| 6 | Thu, Jun 4 | Eswatini vs Lesotho | Afternoon slot | Malkerns |
| 7 | Sat, Jun 6 | Eswatini vs Mozambique | 09:00 AM SAST | Malkerns |
| 8 | Sat, Jun 6 | Lesotho vs Mozambique | Afternoon slot | Malkerns |
| 9 | Sun, Jun 7 | Eswatini vs Lesotho | Morning slot | Malkerns |
| F | Sun, Jun 7 | Final (Top 2 sides) | Afternoon slot | Malkerns |
Notably, June 5 is a rest day in the schedule. Additionally, all times are provided in South African Standard Time (SAST), which is the same as local Eswatini time and runs 3 hours 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time (IST).
Series Format and Points System Explained
The Eswatini Tri Series 2026 follows a triple round-robin league format, followed by a single final. Therefore, every team plays each opponent three times before the knockout stage. Moreover, this format suits associate-level cricket because it maximizes competitive game time.
Here is how the format breaks down:
- 9 league matches total (3 fixtures between each pair of teams)
- Top 2 teams by points qualify for the final
- Standard T20I points: 2 for a win, 1 for a tie/no result, 0 for a loss
- Net Run Rate (NRR) acts as the tiebreaker if points are level
- Final on June 7, 2026 decides the title and trophy holder
Importantly, every match carries ICC T20I team ranking points. As a result, results here directly affect each nation’s standing in the ICC men’s T20I rankings.
Malkerns Country Club Oval: The Sole Venue
All 10 matches take place at the Malkerns Country Club Oval in Malkerns, Eswatini. Specifically, the ground sits in the Manzini Region and serves as Eswatini’s primary international cricket venue. Additionally, Malkerns has hosted Eswatini’s home cricket since the early 2020s.
Furthermore, the Malkerns ground previously hosted Mozambique’s bilateral tour in July 2022, which marked the first official T20I matches ever played in Eswatini. Therefore, the venue carries genuine historic weight for the host nation.
| Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Venue | Malkerns Country Club Oval |
| Location | Malkerns, Manzini Region, Eswatini |
| Capacity | Modest (associate-level facility) |
| Surface | Grass outfield with a hybrid pitch |
| First T20Is hosted | July 2022 (Eswatini vs Mozambique) |
| Series host body | Eswatini Cricket Association (ECA) |
Teams Competing in the Eswatini Tri Series 2026
Three African associate nations compete in the series. Moreover, each side approaches the tournament with very different cricketing histories and recent form.
Eswatini (Hosts)
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) hosts the tournament under the banner of the Eswatini Cricket Association (ECA). Furthermore, the side enjoys home conditions, a familiar dressing room, and the longest exposure to the Malkerns surface among the three teams. Importantly, home advantage often proves decisive in associate cricket.
Lesotho
Lesotho previously toured Eswatini in 2024 for a bilateral series, per Czarsportz Global. Consequently, Lesotho arrives with prior knowledge of the venue. In addition, the squad features captain Thamae Thamae and experienced spinner Maaz Khan. Notably, Yunus Jakda adds top-order stability.
Mozambique
Mozambique boasts the strongest recent record against Eswatini. In fact, they swept the 2022 bilateral T20I series 6-0 at the same Malkerns venue. Additionally, they returned in 2025 for another bilateral tour. Therefore, Mozambique enters as the in-form side of the three. Moreover, captain Filipe Cossa and bowler Joao Hou bring genuine experience.
Lesotho Squad for Eswatini Tri Series 2026
The Lesotho squad has been officially announced. Notably, Eswatini and Mozambique squads were still pending public release at the time of writing.
Lesotho: Thamae Thamae, Yunus Jakda, Mpiti Lerotholi, Lufulere Monanthane, Maaz Khan, Tanki Khetsi, Bahlakoana Mejaro, Khauta Malei, Lebona Leokaoeke, Tsepiso Chaoana, Chachole Tlali, Shekoe Makalo, Jabulani Matjatje, Mthimkhulu Leporoporo.
How to Watch Eswatini Tri Series 2026: Live Streaming and TV
Coverage for associate cricket events like the Eswatini Tri Series 2026 is typically limited. However, the Eswatini Cricket Association usually streams home international fixtures on its YouTube channel. Furthermore, social channels share live score updates.
Here is the expected coverage map:
- Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique: Eswatini Cricket Association YouTube live stream (free, expected)
- India and Indian subcontinent: FanCode is the most likely streaming partner for associate cricket
- Global digital coverage: Cricket Mozambique and Eswatini Cricket social channels for highlights
- Score updates: ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz for live scorecards
Importantly, no traditional TV broadcaster has confirmed coverage at the time of writing. Therefore, streaming remains the primary viewing route for this African T20I tournament.
Why the Eswatini Tri Series 2026 Matters
The ECA Ubuntu Tri-Nation Cup carries weight beyond just the trophy. Specifically, it offers competitive game time, ranking points, and a stepping stone toward bigger ICC pathways.
Here are the standout reasons this tri-series is significant:
- ICC T20I ranking points: Every result counts toward each nation’s official ICC men’s T20I ranking
- Historic first: The series features the first-ever T20I between Lesotho and Mozambique
- Africa Qualifier build-up: All three nations compete on the ICC pathway toward future T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers
- Home advantage test: Eswatini gets a chance to break Mozambique’s 6-0 head-to-head record from 2022
- Development cricket: Associate nations get rare round-robin format exposure, which mirrors larger tournaments
Additionally, the series gives the Eswatini Cricket Association another chance to grow the sport at home. As a result, every match adds to a growing T20I footprint in the region.
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Final Word : Eswatini Tri Series Starts From 2nd June 2026
The Eswatini Tri Series 2026 packs 10 matches into six days from June 2 to June 7 at one venue, Malkerns Country Club Oval. Moreover, the triple round-robin format guarantees three fixtures per pair before the final.
Importantly, the series carries ICC T20I ranking points and includes the first-ever T20I between Lesotho and Mozambique. As a result, this is more than a small associate event. Save the schedule, follow live scores on ESPNcricinfo, and watch for the ECA YouTube stream.
