Botswana advanced to the World Championship playoffs for the first time ©WBSC

Botswana made history by securing a playoff spot for the first time at the Men's World Softball Championships in Whitehorse, Canada.

The African side had enjoyed a previous best finish of ninth in 2000, but are now guaranteed to end in the top eight.

It came despite a 7-1 loss to the world's number one ranked side New Zealand in their final game in Pool B at the Pepsi Softball Centre.

Venezuela continued their superb recovery from missing the first game by thrashing eliminated Great Britain 11-0.

Japan also progressed after a 11-0 win over Denmark, who just missed out in fifth.

Czech Republic beat Turkey 20-0 in the group's other game between two sides who each failed to make it through.

United States are among other nations still in medal contention after reaching the playoffs ©WBSC
United States are among other nations still in medal contention after reaching the playoffs ©WBSC

Australia were among those to progress from Group A as they sealed their spot with a 10-0 thrashing of Hong Kong.

Hosts and defending champions Canada will join them after completing an unbeaten round-robin stage with a 11-0 win over India.

United States squeezed through after edging South Africa 4-3.

Argentina secured the final spot with an 11-6 victory over Dominican Republic.

Playoff games are scheduled to begin tomorrow.