NAMIBIA moved into second place on the log, but Nigeria remained in pole position after both sides won their matches at the ICC u19 Africa World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday.
Namibia thrashed Sierra Leone by 184 runs, but Nigeria remained the only unbeaten side with a 30-run victory over Uganda and are now the favourites to win the tournament and qualify for the 2020 Junior World Cup.
In the third match on Wednesday, Kenya comfortably beat Tanzania by eight wickets.
At the United field, Matthew De Gouveia scored a fine century as Namibia posted a formidable 260 for eight wickets off their 50 overs.
De Gouveia arrived at the crease with four wickets down for 70 runs, but he put Namibia firmly in control with a fine innings.
He shared an 85-run partnership with captain Divan la Cock, who scored 65, and a 69-run partnership with Erich Wittmann, who contributed only 12 runs.
The only other noteworthy contribution came from opener Henry Brink who scored 39.
Sierra Leone were never in the hunt and crumbled against Namibia’s bowling attack to be all out for a paltry 76 runs. Osman Sankoh was their top batsman with 12 runs, while Namibia’s best bowlers were Ettiene Beukes with three wickets for 19 runs off eight overs, and Mauritius Ngupita with 2/7 off five overs.
At the WAP field, Nigeria recorded their third successive victory with a thrilling 30-run win against Uganda.
Nigeria were dismissed for only 110 runs, but it proved to be enough as Uganda collapsed under the pressure to be all out for 80 runs.
Samuel Mba was Nigeria’s star batsman, scoring 54, which included one six and five fours, while Sylvester Okpe scored 26.
Trevor Bukenya was Uganda’s best bowler, taking four wickets for 24 runs off nine overs, while Cosmas Kyewuta took 2/7 off seven overs.
Uganda got off to a solid start, putting on 58 for the first two wickets, but then the rot set in as they lost their last eight wickets for only 22 runs, to be all out for 80.
Zephania Arinaitwe was their top scorer with 28 runs, while Nigeria’s berst bowlers were Mohameed Taiwo who took four wickets for 24 runs off 8,1 overs, Rashid Abolarin (3/33) and Isaac Danladi (3/9).
At the Wanderers field, Kenya easily beat Sierra Leone by eight wickets.
Siewrra Leone were all out for 143 runs, with Abdallah Jabiri scoring 28 and Baraka Laiza 27, while Sukhdeep Singh took two wickets for 16 runs.
Kenya easily reached the target for the loss of only two wickets, and with 13 overs to spare.
Captain Sukhdeep Singh scored 53 not out off 38 balls (4×6, 2×4), while Sukhraj Ghataora scored 51.
Nigeria now lead the log on six points, followed by Namibia and Uganda on four points each, Kenya and Sierra Leone on two points, and Tanzania on zero points.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
