The current world number seven team, known as the Malawi Queens, made their first appearance at a Commonwealth Games in 1970 and have qualified for every edition since bar the 2002 Games.

Their best finish was in both 2010 and 2014 when they came fifth. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Queens caused a major upset as they defeated the second ranked team in the world, New Zealand, for the first time in history.

How to Watch

Date: Saturday 30 July

First Centre Pass: 2pm

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Where to watch with your teammates: England Netball, South London’s iconic Pop Brixton and popular pub chain, The Botanist in Birmingham, Alderley Edge and West Bridgford, Nottingham, are working together to create a series of designated ‘screening hubs’ where fans can come together, watch the sold-out games and enjoy the tournament as it unfolds. Grab your teammates and find out how to book here.

You can download the Netball schedule so you don’t miss a game and grab our watch-along Wall Planner so you can follow each team’s progress.

Head-to-Head Record

Saturday’s game will be the 16th time the two sides have met, with England leading in the win ratio.

Last Five Meetings:

View From Inside the England Camp

Commonwealth Games debutant Sophie Drakeford-Lewis:

“Malawi obviously are a few places higher in the world rankings (than Trinidad and Tobago) and they’re very patient with ball in hand and we’re going to have to grind them out for 60 minutes so this (the opening game) was a great stepping stone into the match. As I said, there is still stuff we need to work on and stuff we can improve going into that game.”

England captain Natalie Metcalf:

“The challenge for the second game will differ massively (to the Trinidad and Tobago game). Malawi are such a strong squad – Trinidad asked lots of questions from us and I’m sure Malawi will do the same. (After the opening game) It’s now about us resting up as much as we can, going back to the tape and looking at what we can do to execute our game plan against Malawi.”

Ones to Watch:

Towera Vinkhumbo:

Vinkhumbo has been a key defensive fixture for Strathclyde Sirens, the only Scottish based team in the UK’s Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL). She had a stellar 2022 season, picking up second place in the league for both turnovers and interceptions. Vinkhumbo’s athleticism and experience will be key for Malawi’s defensive unit.

Joyce Mvula:

Mvula had a standout season in the VNSL with unbeaten league winners Manchester Thunder. She was the second-highest goal scorer in the league, with a huge 774 scored, and has just been contracted to play in New Zealand in the ANZ Premiership for the 2023 season. Watch out for Malawi’s shooting counterpart: Super Netball star Mwai Kumwenda.

Malawi full squad:

Jane Chimaliro, Sindi Simtowe, Tendai Masamba, Mwai Kumwenda, Joyce Mvula, Bridget Kumwenda, Takondwa Lwazi, Thandie Galeta, Shilla Dimba, Martha Dambo, Carlo Mtukule, Towera Vinkhumbo, Laureen Ngwira, Beauty Banda, Mada Mkandawire, Maggie Sikwese.

Here’s a guide to the competition, including how you can follow all the action.

If you’re new to our sport and want to have a go yourself, we have programmes for everyone aged 5 to 95 from Bee Netball for children, to Back to Netball for those returning, to Walking Netball, a slower version of the game we love. Through the netball finder on our homepage, simply select play and enter your postcode and you’ll find a variety of sessions in your area.

Loved being in the crowd or watching from home? There’s more live netball coming your way in England this October – book tickets now.