By 
Tanzania secured a historic victory at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier, defeating Sierra Leone by 36 runs (D/L) in a rain-affected final in Dar es Salaam. After ten days of intense competition, the home side lifted the trophy, capping off a remarkable tournament on home soil.
The win, which saw both finalists Tanzania and Sierra Leone, as well as third-placed Nigeria, advance in the qualification pathway, brings Tanzania one step closer to the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.
The final, held on Sunday, was marked by high anticipation as both Tanzania and Sierra Leone, having already secured their spots in next year’s Africa Qualifier by winning their semi-finals, sought to complete an unbeaten run.
Sierra Leone won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Tanzania’s openers, Dylan Thakrar and Darpan Jobanputra, laid a solid foundation with a 48-run partnership.
However, Sierra Leone’s bowlers, led by Mohamed Turay and captain Raymond Coker, initiated a mini-collapse, reducing Tanzania to 57 for four in the 14th over.
Despite the setback, crucial contributions from skipper Laksh Bakrania (24) and Mohamed Mbaki (29) helped Tanzania post a competitive total of 178 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.
Rain disrupted the match, forcing a revised target of 135 for Sierra Leone from 29 overs.
Tanzania’s bowlers capitalized on the conditions, with Khalidy Juma, Hamza Onai, and Bakrania dismantling the Sierra Leone top order, leaving them reeling at 20 for five within 10 overs.
Despite a brief recovery from middle-order batsmen Sahr Lebbie (30) and James Bangura (16), Sierra Leone fell short, finishing on 98 for eight, 36 runs shy of the target.
Tanzania’s captain, Laksh Bakrania, expressed his joy after the victory: “This is a dream come true, but our journey has only just begun.
We remained focused on the basics, and it was crucial to bring joy to our fans, who turned out in large numbers today.
I want to thank our coaches, support staff, teammates, and management for their unwavering support.”
Despite the loss, Sierra Leone’s captain Raymond Coker was named Player of the Tournament, a fitting recognition for his stellar performances throughout the campaign.
Coker took 14 wickets and scored 97 runs, earning three Player of the Match awards.
In the third-place playoff, Nigeria dominated Rwanda, securing the final spot in next year’s Africa Qualifier.
After being put into bat, Rwanda struggled against Nigeria’s disciplined bowling, collapsing for just 45 runs in 23.4 overs.
Nigeria’s skipper, Gafar Kareem, led the bowling attack with four for eight, supported by Joseph Onoshagbe’s three for 15.
Although Rwanda’s Elise Gihozo took three wickets in a spirited defense, Nigeria comfortably chased down the target, reaching 46 for three in just 12.3 overs, powered by Peculiar Egamasi’s brisk 26 off 21 balls.
The Africa Qualifier will now see Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and already-qualified Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda compete for a single spot at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026.
Atif Salim, the Tournament Coordinator, praised the success of the event:
“Hosting this tournament has been an incredible experience.
The dedication of the Local Organizing Committee, our volunteers, and the passionate support from fans and management made this event a grand success.
We’ve witnessed thrilling cricket, and we’re proud to have showcased the talent and spirit of cricket in Tanzania.”
