Tanzania secured a historic victory on the ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, defeating Sierra Leone by 36 runs (D/L) in a rain-affected last in Dar es Salaam. After ten days of intense competitors, the house aspect lifted the trophy, capping off a outstanding match on dwelling soil.
The win, which noticed each finalists Tanzania and Sierra Leone, in addition to third-placed Nigeria, advance within the qualification pathway, brings Tanzania one step nearer to the ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup 2026.
The ultimate, held on Sunday, was marked by excessive anticipation as each Tanzania and Sierra Leone, having already secured their spots in subsequent 12 months’s Africa Qualifier by successful their semi-finals, sought to finish an unbeaten run.
Sierra Leone received the toss and opted to bowl first.
Tanzania’s openers, Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra, laid a stable basis with a 48-run partnership.
Nevertheless, Sierra Leone’s bowlers, led by Mohamed Turay and captain Raymond Coker, initiated a mini-collapse, lowering Tanzania to 57 for 4 within the 14th over.
Regardless of the setback, essential contributions from skipper Laksh Bakrania (24) and Mohamed Mbaki (29) helped Tanzania put up a aggressive whole of 178 for eight of their allotted 50 overs.
Rain disrupted the match, forcing a revised goal of 135 for Sierra Leone from 29 overs.
Tanzania’s bowlers capitalized on the circumstances, with Khalidy Juma, Hamza Onai, and Bakrania dismantling the Sierra Leone high order, leaving them reeling at 20 for 5 inside 10 overs.
Regardless of a short restoration from middle-order batsmen Sahr Lebbie (30) and James Bangura (16), Sierra Leone fell brief, ending on 98 for eight, 36 runs shy of the goal.
Tanzania’s captain, Laksh Bakrania, expressed his pleasure after the victory: “This can be a dream come true, however our journey has solely simply begun.
We remained targeted on the fundamentals, and it was essential to carry pleasure to our followers, who turned out in giant numbers immediately.
I wish to thank our coaches, assist employees, teammates, and administration for his or her unwavering assist.”
Regardless of the loss, Sierra Leone’s captain Raymond Coker was named Participant of the Event, a becoming recognition for his stellar performances all through the marketing campaign.
Coker took 14 wickets and scored 97 runs, incomes three Participant of the Match awards.
Within the third-place playoff, Nigeria dominated Rwanda, securing the ultimate spot in subsequent 12 months’s Africa Qualifier.
After being put into bat, Rwanda struggled in opposition to Nigeria’s disciplined bowling, collapsing for simply 45 runs in 23.4 overs.
Nigeria’s skipper, Gafar Kareem, led the bowling assault with 4 for eight, supported by Joseph Onoshagbe’s three for 15.
Though Rwanda’s Elise Gihozo took three wickets in a spirited protection, Nigeria comfortably chased down the goal, reaching 46 for 3 in simply 12.3 overs, powered by Peculiar Egamasi’s brisk 26 off 21 balls.
The Africa Qualifier will now see Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and already-qualified Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda compete for a single spot on the ICC U19 Males’s Cricket World Cup 2026.
Atif Salim, the Event Coordinator, praised the success of the occasion:
“Internet hosting this match has been an unbelievable expertise.
The dedication of the Native Organizing Committee, our volunteers, and the passionate assist from followers and administration made this occasion a grand success.
We’ve witnessed thrilling cricket, and we’re proud to have showcased the expertise and spirit of cricket in Tanzania.”
