Tanzania ranked 19th in latest ICC T20 team rankings

TANZANIA: TANZANIA has been ranked 19th in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings and 34th in the men’s category in cricket, according to the latest rankings released on March 12 this year. Tanzania’s women’s team is now the second-highest-ranked nation in East Africa, trailing only Uganda, which holds the 18th position.

With 25 matches played and a total of 2,570 points, Tanzania boasts a rating of 103, placing it ahead of regional rivals Rwanda (26th) and Kenya (29th).

This achievement underscores the rapid growth of women’s cricket in the country, driven by increased investment in grassroots programmes, coaching and competitive exposure under the Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Chairman Balakrishnan Sreekumar.

Uganda remains the highest-ranked East African team with 4,980 points and a rating of 111 and 45 matches. Despite playing the most matches (52), Rwanda ranks 26th with a rating of 75, while Kenya follows at 29th with 41 matches and a rating of 70.

Globally, Australia continues to dominate the women’s rankings with a rating of 296, followed by England (279) and India (263). New Zealand and South Africa complete the women’s top five.

In the men’s category, Tanzania has climbed to 34th place, with 4,301 points, 92 ratings and 47 matches, reinforcing its growing presence in East African cricket.

The team is positioned just behind Kenya (33rd) with 5,870 points, 105 rating and 56 matches and Uganda (22nd) after posting 10,041 points, 136 rating and 74 played matches, demonstrating the region’s competitive nature.

While Tanzania is still some distance from Test-playing nations, its ranking within the top 40 is a testament to its progress in T20 cricket.

With current TCA efforts and support from Cricket Reunion Legends of Tanzania and other stakeholders, the team can climb to an even better place.

It will need to secure more wins in ICC-recognised tournaments, participate in bilateral series, and invest in infrastructure and grassroots development.

The men’s rankings see reigning T20 World Champions India at No 1, followed by Australia and England in second and third, respectively. West Indies and New Zealand complete the top five, highlighting their strength in the format.

With continued effort and strategic investment, Tanzania has the potential to break into the top 30 and compete more consistently on the international stage.