In a thrilling and unforgettable showdown at the UNILAG Cricket Oval in Lagos, Nigeria, the Tanzania Under-19 Cricket Team secured their ticket to the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, defeating Sierra Leone by a commanding 98 runs to become Africa Division Champions.
This decisive victory has elevated Tanzania’s status in international cricket and stamped their mark as a formidable force in African cricket.
Batting first, the Tanzanian team displayed exceptional skills and resilience, posting a challenging score of 179 runs in 49 overs, despite being bowled out. The innings was marked by a stellar partnership between Augustine Meya Mwamele and Laksh Bacrania, whose combined efforts produced over 80 crucial runs that set the foundation for the victory.
Laksh Bacrania emerged as the top scorer, amassing 53 runs from 83 balls, while Mwamele contributed a vital 43 runs from 69 balls. All-rounder Karim Kiseto added 25 valuable runs, providing depth and balance to the batting line-up.
In response, Sierra Leone struggled against the disciplined and aggressive Tanzanian bowling attack, collapsing for just 81 runs, sealing a comprehensive victory for Tanzania.
This outstanding win capped a perfect tournament record for Tanzania, who went unbeaten through the competition. Their journey began with a victory over Uganda, followed by wins against hosts Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, and finally, Sierra Leone.
The victory not only secures their place in the World Cup but also demonstrates Tanzania’s growing strength and potential in the cricketing world.
