Under 19 cricket qualifiers underway

By: STAFF REPORTER

UGANDA comprehensively thrashed newly promoted Nigeria in the opening match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Windhoek on Sunday.

Nigeria were bowled out for a disappointing 67 as destroyer-in-chief, Faruk Ochimi, for Uganda, turned in 4 for 25 in 6 overs.
Uganda didn’t have it all their own way, but they managed to pass their target in the 16th over and eventually beat Nigeria by 3 wickets.
Hosts Namibia played neighbours Botswana at the United Cricket Ground and posted a very respectable 263 in their 50 overs. Top scorer was Christopher Coombie (48) who was supported by Bredell Wessels (46).
Botswana began their pursuit in superb fashion and were 60 without loss after 10 overs, but middle order collapsed saw them faltering at a 167 for 8.  
Rear guard action saw them through to a competitive 235 for 9 after their 50 overs. Top scorer for Botswana was Varun Vigayakumar.  Namibia won by 27 runs.
The match between Kenya and Zambia saw Irfan Karim become the first centurion of the tournament with a 106 of 131 balls.  Kenya posted a formidable 223 in their 50 overs.
The pick of Zambia bowlers was Himal Patal with 5 for 29 in his 10 overs. However the Zambian batting never got off to a consistent start with a regular loss of wickets.  Zambia were eventually bowled out for a 155 runs. Kenya were eventual victors by 94 runs.
At the WAP grounds Sierra Leone comfortably beat Tanzania by 4 wickets. Tanzania elected to bat and were restricted to a 133 all out in the 43rd over.  Sierra Leone set about their run chase aggressively and passed the target set in the 33rd over to see out the win.  

Scores:
Nigeria        66/10
Uganda        68/7
Uganda won by 3 wickets

Namibia        263/8
Botswana        235/9
Namibia won by 27 runs

Kenya        223/8
Zambia        155/10
Kenya won by 94 runs

Tanzania        133/10
Sierra Leone        136/6
Sierra Leone won by 4 wickets

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