Tanzania beat Japan by 81 runs
WINDHOEK: TANZANIA Under-19s recorded a convincing victory over Japan Under-19s in a warm-up match ahead of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup at the United Cricket Club Ground, Windhoek in Namibia on Saturday.
On the encounter, Japan won the toss and chose to field first. Tanzania got off to a shaky start, losing three early wickets.
Dylan Thakrar scored just two, Darpan Jobanputra was out for a duck and Omary Ramadhani also failed to score.
The top order struggled, leaving the team at 17 for 3 in the first four overs. However, Laksh Barkania and Karim Kiseto then steadied the innings.
Barkania remained unbeaten on 53 from 97 balls, while Kiseto contributed 34 runs.
Support from the middle order was crucial. Augustino Mwamele added 23 off 22 balls and Simba Mbaki scored 21.
Acrey Hugo played a short but effective innings, scoring 16 from just 16 balls and Ally Hafidh finished with 12 not out.
Extras helped the total as well, contributing 26 runs, including 20 wides.
Tanzania closed their innings at 204 for 9 in 50 overs, setting Japan a revised target of 127 runs under the DLS method. Japan struggled to respond.
Their innings never got going as wickets fell regularly.
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Nihar Parmar was caught for 4, Taylor Waugh made 6 and Hugo Kelly failed to score.
Only Nikhil Pol (12) and M Hara-Hinze (7 not out) reached double figures. Japan was bowled out for 45 runs in just 14.3 overs, handing Tanzania an 81-run win.
Tanzania’s bowlers were disciplined and consistent throughout.
Barkania took 2 wickets for 13 runs; Raymond Francis claimed 3 for 7, while Augustino Mwamele and Ally Hafidh also picked up one wicket each.
The tight bowling attack made it difficult for Japan to build any partnerships.
The result gives Tanzania Under-19s a strong confidence boost as they continue their World Cup preparations.
Tanzania will have another friendly with Ireland tomorrow.
The ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026, commences from January 15 to February 6 in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
They will feature 16 national teams competing in a 50-over format across group stages, Super Six rounds and knockout matches, providing a global platform for young cricketers under 19 to showcase their talent.
