Malawi Queens yesterday put up an awesome show of force to beat Northern Ireland 54-41 which earned them their first victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
It was the stuff of netballing fantasy as the Queens turned on an eye-catching display that had their opponents gasping for air.
Following the win, Malawi, who lost to England’s Vitality Roses 66-41 in their opening Pool B match, are third with two points from three matches in the six-team group.
They trail leaders England and second-placed New Zealand by four points.
The Queens face New Zealand’s Silver Ferns today.
In yesterday’s match monitored on SuperSport Television, the Queens started slowly and won the first quarter narrowly 12-11.
But once coach Peace Chawinga-Kaluwa’s charges shrugged off some early lethargy, the collective heart was soon beating loudly.
Australia-based gangly shooter Mwawi kumwenda epitomised this contest and coverted basket after basket without breaking sweat aided by goal-attacker Sindi Simtowe-Msowoya.
At half time, the Queens led 25-21.
In the third quarter, Northern Ireland appeared overwhelmed by Malawi’s scintillating play characterised by crisp long passes that kept them on the back foot.
It was like watch the Queens of the good old days and their pass-and-move style, was unremittingly fluent.
It was, therefore, not surprising that by the end of this quarter, the Queens had extended their lead by 13 baskets, 41-28 to be precise.
The final quarter was more about enjoying the game. Chawinga rung changes, taking off Kumwenda and Simtowe-Msowoya for Joyce Mvula and Jane Chimaliro who continued with the onslaught.
The ball was moved around with remarkable grace and intelligence. Nothing was forced, nothing hurried from a team soaring with confidence.
Malawi had 11 overturns while Northern Ireland had 10.
