By 
Match Summary
- Namibia 135/3 in 36 overs
- Uganda 68/10 in 23.5 overs
Namibia won by 121 runs (DLS Method-Match reduced to 36 Overs, Target 189 runs)
The Baby Cricket Cranes endured a heavy 121-run defeat (DLS method) against Namibia in the ICC Under-19 World Cup qualifiers at the TBS Oval in Nigeria and subsequently faced relegation to division two.
The rain affected match left Uganda with a revised target of 189 in 36 overs, but despite a determined chase, they were bowled out for just 68 runs in 23.5 overs.
Namibia, coming off a loss to Tanzania, won the toss and chose to bat first.
Their openers, Tian van der Merwe and Eric Lintvelt, weathered Uganda’s early bowling threat.
The partnership progressed slowly, with Namibia at 26 for no loss after the first 10 overs.
The first breakthrough came when Sohera Richard dismissed Lintvelt for 15, leaving Namibia at 40 for 1 in 15.4 overs.
Van der Merwe continued to anchor the innings, and together with captain Faf du Plessis, they built a steady partnership.
Namibia reached 117 for 2 after 34 overs, with van der Merwe securing his half-century from 105 balls.
Following a rain delay, Uganda’s chase began poorly, with quick dismissals leaving them reeling at 16 for 3.
Captain Olipa Gerald was out for a duck, and Owili Robert contributed only 10 runs.
Uganda’s aggressive approach to the chase backfired, as wickets continued to fall regularly.
At 35 for 6 in the 15th over, Uganda’s chances of recovery were slim.
Namibia’s bowlers dominated, with Max Heingo taking 3 wickets for 20 runs in 6 overs, supported by Junior Taanyada and du Plessis, who each claimed two wickets.
The defeat means Uganda’s final match against Nigeria on Sunday April 6th will be a dead rubber.
Even a win won’t prevent their relegation to Division Two, with the top team from the qualifiers advancing to the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Uganda is currently in fourth place, with no chance of avoiding relegation, as Tanzania, Namibia, and Kenya compete for the top spot.
