Uganda’s Baby Cricket Cranes suffered a tough start to their ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign, falling to Tanzania by 73 runs in their opening match at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval in Lagos, Nigeria.
Tanzania, batting first, set a formidable target of 190 runs, led by a brilliant century from Laksh Bakrania, who scored 111 off 133 balls.
Karim Kiseto provided steady support with 86 runs off 145 deliveries, helping Tanzania post a competitive total despite Uganda’s efforts with the ball.
Abdulaziz Tandia was the standout performer for Uganda, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in his 10-over spell.
In response, Uganda struggled to build partnerships, with only Devansh Patel standing out. Patel fought hard with a well-compiled 84, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide the necessary support.
Tanzania’s bowling unit, led by Agustino Meya Mwamele (5 wickets) and Raymond Francis (4 wickets), proved too strong, bundling Uganda out for just 116 in 39 overs.
The result means Uganda will have to regroup quickly as they face Kenya in their next match on Sunday March 30 at UNILAG Cricket Oval.
With only the winner of this tournament securing a place in the 2026 U19 Cricket World Cup, the Baby Cricket Cranes will be aiming for a strong comeback to keep their qualification hopes alive.
