Tanzania lost to Namibia in their opening match of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifiers at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club oval on Tuesday.
The defeat came a day after the hosts shared the spoil with Kenyans after downpour cancelling all the opening fixtures.
The victory moved Namibia to the top of the group following their 106 runs win over Tanzania.
Despite the loss, the hosts gave their opponent pressure, as they were eagerly waiting for the victory that did not come their way.
Batting first, several contributions saw them toil their way to a defendable total of 139 all out, using up all 50 of their overs.
Skipper Alexander Busing-Volschenk notched a crucial 39 from 49 balls under pressure, while Gerhard Janse van Rensburg continued his fine start to the week with the bat by chalking up a steady 27 at the top of the batting card.
It was slow going on an even slower pitch, as Shaik Basha led the Tanzanian attack admirably.
His remarkable figures three for 5 from 10 overs, with a startling six maidens, throttled the scoring.
In reply, Tanzania was blown away by Jack Brassell’s opening burst of three for 6 in five overs.
He was superbly supported by Morris Kariata (two for 7).
Kariata was also excellent in the field, running out Tanzania’s star batter Baraka to break the back of the Tanzanian chase. They eventually rolled over for just 33 in 19 overs.
Both openers picked up wickets with their first deliveries. Kariata trapped Paschal Hugo Plum in front while Brassel’s pace was too much for Ally Onai, clean bowling him.
The win places Namibia at the top of the table and in charge of the early running.
In another development, Sierra Leone blew away a struggling Nigeria by nine wickets at the University Ground.
Only Paul Pam (22) provided any resistance with the bat for the Eagles, as George Sesay (four for 15) and Raymond Coker (three for 14) tied them up in knots.
Nigeria’s nightmare ended after 27 overs, as they were bundled out for just 73.
In stark contrast, Alusine Turay struck a composed 38 not out from 51 balls, and Coker added a patient 22, in a stand of 72 for the opening wicket.
That sealed the match, and though Croker fell just before the finish line, nothing could take away from a clinical performance by Sierra Leone – who had happily embraced the tag of dark horses ahead of this tournament.
In earlier fixtures, Sierra Leone and Uganda won the toss and elected to bat first against Kenya and Nigeria respectively.
Uganda, the reigning champions, were in early trouble losing their top order cheaply while Sierra Leone started well against the Kenyans.
