T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA SUB-REGIONAL QUALIFIER B: Tanzania extends winning run
ACCRA: TANZANIA produced a commanding all-round performance to secure their second consecutive victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B, thrashing Eswatini by 158 runs in Accra.
The result follows Tuesday’s eight-wicket win over Malawi and significantly strengthens Tanzania’s position in the tournament, underlining their growing momentum and balance as a side.
After being put in to bat, Tanzania posted an imposing 178 for four from their 20 overs, built on a combination of solid partnerships and late acceleration. Mukesh Suthar was the standout performer with an unbeaten 65 from 42 balls, anchoring the innings before providing a strong finish.
He was well supported by Ivan Selemani (35) and Ajith Augastin (35), whose second-wicket partnership of 58 laid the foundation during the powerplay. Arun Yadav added a steady 24, helping to maintain the scoring rate through the middle overs.
Tanzania’s innings gathered further pace at the death, with captain Kassim Nassoro striking 13 from just three deliveries, highlighting the gulf in finishing power between the two sides.
In response, Eswatini’s chase never gained any momentum as Tanzania’s bowlers delivered a ruthless and disciplined display. At one stage, Eswatini had slumped to 10 for seven, with their top order dismantled inside nine overs.
Ally Kimote was particularly impressive, claiming three wickets for just four runs in his three overs, while Khalidy Juma and Laksh Bakrania picked up two wickets apiece. The trio combined for seven wickets while conceding only 12 runs, a remarkable spell that effectively ended the contest within the first half of the innings.
Eswatini struggled to cope with the accuracy and variation of Tanzania’s attack, managing just 15 runs for seven wickets after 11 overs, with no batter reaching double figures. Their inability to rotate strike or build partnerships exposed a significant gap in quality at this level.
From an analytical perspective, Tanzania’s victory was built on two key strengths: batting depth and bowling discipline. Their top order ensured a competitive total, while the middle and lower order demonstrated the ability to accelerate when needed.
Equally, the bowling unit showed control and consistency, maintaining tight lines and capitalising on early breakthroughs. Such performances suggest a welldrilled side capable of adapting to different match situations.
With back-to-back wins now secured, Tanzania will take confidence into their remaining fixtures, knowing that both their batting and bowling departments are functioning effectively
