Tz dominates Mali in T20 World Cup Qualifiers opener

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA kicked off its ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers with an impressive 10-wicket victory over Mali at UDSM Grounds in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

Winning the toss, Tanzania chose to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive as they restricted Mali to a mere 18 runs, all out in just 12.5 overs. The Tanzanian bowlers showcased their dominance, wrapping up the innings and leaving their batting lineup with a meagre target.

Sanjay Bom led the bowling attack with an outstanding performance, claiming four wickets by dismantling Mali’s top order. He sent Lamissa Sanogo, Yacouba Kanoute, Moustapha Diakite, and Lassina Berthe back to the pavilion, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Supporting him were Harsheed Chohan and Laksh Snehal, each taking two wickets, with Chohan dismissing Mohamed Coulibaly and Sanze Kamate, while Snehal took down Check Keita and Amara Nimaga.

Halidi Amiri and Ally Mpeka chipped in with one wicket each, further solidifying the team’s bowling prowess.

Chasing down the modest total, batsmen Abhik Patwa and Zafar Khan showcased their skills, reaching the target with plenty of overs to spare, clinching victory in just one over.

The tournament’s opening day also featured two other matches at the Gymkhana Club Ground. Ghana triumphed over Cameroon by eight wickets, while Malawi secured a commanding 93-run win against Lesotho.

This tournament marks the start of the qualification process for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with teams vying for a spot in the regional finals.

ALSO READ: Tanzania Ladies Open Golf Tournament 2024 winds up in Arusha

Tanzania is hosting Qualifier A, which will be followed by Qualifier B in Kenya in October and Qualifier C in Nigeria in November 2024.

The participating nations include Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Saint Helena.

Qualifier B nations are Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles and Zimbabwe.

Qualifier C nations include Botswana, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Saint Helena.

The top two teams from each sub-regional qualifier will advance to the regional final.

They will be joined by Namibia and Uganda, who have secured their spots in the regional final due to their participation in the previous T20 World Cup.

As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly await more thrilling matches at the Gymkhana Ground and UDSM Oval, hoping for further dazzling displays from their teams.