TANZANIA clinched a convincing 122-run victory over Nigeria in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, Nigeria.
This victory marks Tanzania’s second win in the tournament, following their 73-run triumph over Uganda on Saturday. On yesterday’s encounter Tanzania won the toss and opted to bat first, Tanzania posted a challenging total of 154 all out in 47.2 overs.
Nigeria’s chase, however, faltered early and they were bowled out for a mere 32 runs in just 16.1 overs, handing Tanzania a dominant win.
Tanzania’s batting was anchored by a stellar performance from Captain Laksh Bakrania, who topscored with 44 runs from 79 balls. Darpan Jobanputra also played a crucial role, contributing 32 runs off 83 balls.
Despite a few wickets falling at regular intervals, Tanzania’s middle order managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, reaching a total of 154.
Nigeria’s bowlers struggled to make an impact, with Abdulganiyu Abdullahi being the most successful, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs.
Kenneth Boniface and Ukasha Isiyaku supported well, each claiming two wickets, but Tanzania’s total remained out of Nigeria’s reach. When Nigeria came to bat, they quickly found themselves in trouble.
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Early wickets fell, with Rahmon Ali dismissed for 14, Onoshagbe Joseph for 10 and Femi Oresanwo for just five runs.
The pressure continued to mount on the Nigerian batting lineup as they struggled to get any partnerships going.
Despite brief resistance from the middle order, they were unable to chase down Tanzania’s target.
The Nigerian batting collapse was spearheaded by Tanzania’s Khalidy Juma, who took four wickets for 28 runs in his 6 overs.
Laksh Bakrania added to his earlier contribution with the bat, claiming three wickets for 34 runs, helping seal the fate of the Nigerian side.
Nigeria’s batting was finally wrapped up at just 32 runs in the 17th over, handing Tanzania a comfortable victory.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Darpan Jobanputra for his crucial knock of 83, while Khalidy Amiri Juma’s superb bowling display earned him the match’s best bowler honor, with figures of 4/28.
Following today’s win, Tanzania will now turn their attention to their next match against Namibia, set to take place on Tuesday at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
