Tanzania edge Uganda by nine runs in Cricket World Cup qualifier

ZIMBABWE: TANZANIA secured a hardfought nine-run victory over Uganda in their second match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025 on Saturday at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.

With this win, Tanzania remains unbeaten and moves to the top of Group B with four points from two matches. Uganda won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to capitalise on early morning conditions.

Tanzania, batting first, posted 128 for 6 in their 20 overs. The innings began steadily but was disrupted by regular wickets. Opener Arun Yadav scored 19 off 19 balls before falling to Alpesh Ramjani, who led Uganda’s bowling effort with 2 for 15.

Tanzania lost quick wickets in the middle order, including Captain Abhik Patwa (30 off 17) and Amal Rajeevan (2), reducing them to 51 for 4 inside eight overs.

Mukesh Suthar then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 from 32 deliveries, hitting three fours and two sixes.

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He found brief support from Kassim Nassoro and Salum Jumbe before Ally Kimote’s quick-fire 10 not out helped push the total to a competitive 128. In response, Uganda’s chase got off to a cautious start. Raghav Dhawan topscored with 39 off 37 balls but lacked sustained support from the middle order.

Wickets fell at regular intervals and the innings never quite found rhythm. The turning point came in the 17th over when Uganda collapsed from 104 for 3 to 109 for 7 in the space of four deliveries.

Tanzania’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Khalidy Juma was the standout performer, taking 4 for 13 in four overs, including a doublestrike in the 17th.

Ally Kimote claimed 2 for 34, while Ajith Augastin and Sivaraj Selvaraj also picked up a wicket each. Uganda were restricted to 119 for 9 in their 20 overs, falling short by nine runs. With this result, Tanzania now lead Group B with four points.

Host nation Zimbabwe sit second with two points from one match. Uganda and Botswana are yet to register a point, with Uganda having played one match and Botswana two. Tanzania had earlier begun their campaign with a convincing seven-wicket win over Botswana on Friday.