Tanzania U19 secures promotion to Division 1

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian U19 cricket team won the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Division 2 title  securing promotion to Division 1.

Their journey culminated in a decisive 36-run victory over Sierra Leone at Gymkhana Oval in Dar es Salaam, marking a standout performance in the tournament and setting the stage for their next challenge.

Tanzania’s dominant campaign

Tanzania’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. From the start of the tournament, they displayed remarkable consistency and skill, winning all six of their matches. Their journey began in the group stage, where they led Group B with six points.

Their victories over Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique showcased their strength and strategic prowess. The momentum continued into the semifinals, where they secured a commanding 59-run win over Rwanda.

Sunday’s final: A showcase of talent

In the final match on Sunday, Sierra Leone won the toss and chose to bowl first. Tanzania’s batsmen set a challenging target by scoring 178 runs in their allotted overs.

Sierra Leone’s response fell short, as they were restricted to 98 runs in 29 overs. Tanzania’s bowlers executed their plans with precision, ensuring that Sierra Leone could not chase down the target.

Laksh Bakrania emerged as a key performer, contributing 24 runs from 61 balls and claiming a crucial wicket by dismissing Charles Kamara.

Khalidy Juma and Hamza Onai were also instrumental with the ball. Juma took two wickets, removing Alusine Turay and David Halloway, while Onai claimed the wickets of Raymond Coker and Ibrahim Sesay.

Mohamed Mbaki played a significant role as well, scoring 29 runs off 37 balls and taking a wicket, further cementing Tanzania’s victory.

The path ahead: Division 1 and beyond

With their victory, Tanzania has earned a place in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Division 1. This next stage is a critical step toward qualifying for the U19 World Cup itself.

Division 1 will feature the top teams from various regions, and Tanzania will face stiffer competition as they aim to secure one of the available spots for the World Cup.

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The promotion to Division 1 not only reflects Tanzania’s exceptional performance but also sets a new benchmark for their cricketing aspirations. The team will need to maintain their form and adapt to the increased level of competition.

The Division 1 stage will provide them with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger platform and continue their impressive rise in international cricket.