Nigeria U19 complete their unbeaten run in the ICC U19 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifiers in Potchefstroom, as they beat Sierra Leone U19 by 137 runs in the final after both the countries already claiming their place in Africa Division 1, to be played in 2019.
The most relevant encounter for the day was between Tanzania U19 and Mozambique U19, who were contesting for the final qualification spot into Division 1 and Tanzania got the better of Mozambique in a comfortable manner as they beat them by 125 runs to win the 3rd/4th play-off.
Nigeria U19, Sierra Leone U19 and Tanzania U19 thus advance to the regional finals in Division 1, where they will meet up with Kenya U19, Uganda U19 and Namibia U19 for one qualification spot into the main draw of 2020 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
Nigeria U19 rode on Olayinka Olaleye’s century knock to post 242/9 in their 50 overs and a 5-wicket haul from their leading bowler at the tournament, Peter Aho, saw them bowl out Sierra Leone U19 for only 105 runs to complete the big victory.
Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) President, Professor Yahaya Ukwneya said “The boys were very dedicated and were disciplined all though the stages of the event. It is not time to celebrate because we have Division One Qualifiers, Inter Continental Qualifiers before the World Cup Proper where we would face countries like England, India, Pakistan, South Africa and other top nations,”.
On the other hand, Tanzania U19 recovered from the tricky position at 82/5 to eventually get bowled out for 215 with a crucial 79 runs partnership between Dhrumit Mehta (37) and Kartik Sayal (45). The bowlers then did their part by bowling out Mozambique U19 for 140 runs with Vieira Tembo playing the lone-hand with a stroke-filled 90.
