Namibia Blows Tanzania Away in Superb Cricket Opening Spell

In Summary

Namibian Seamers thrash Tanzania at the opening spell of the Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier.
Nigeria concedes defeat while playing against Sierra Leone in West African derby.
Eagles captain Busing-Volschenk leads from the front with excellent knock under pressure.

Namibia moved to the top of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier standings on Monday, as they trounced Tanzania by 106 runs in Dar Es Salaam.

After being frustrated by rain on the opening day, the Southern Africans got into their work in earnest at the Dar Gymkhana Club Ground. Batting first, several contributions saw them toil their way to a defendable total of 139 all out, using up all 50 of their overs.

Skipper Alexander Busing-Volschenk notched a crucial 39 from 49 balls under pressure, while Gerhard Janse van Rensburg continued his fine start to the week with the bat by chalking up a steady 27 at the top of the batting card.

It was slow going on an even slower pitch, as Shaik Basha led the Tanzanian attack admirably. His remarkable figures three for 5 from 10 overs, with a startling six maidens, throttled the scoring.

In reply, Tanzania was blown away by Jack Brassell’s opening burst of three for 6 in five overs. He was superbly supported by Morris Kariata (two for 7). Kariata was also excellent in the field, running out Tanzania’s star batter Baraka to break the back of the Tanzanian chase. They eventually rolled over for just 33 in 19 overs.

Both openers picked up wickets with their first deliveries. Kariata trapping Paschal Hugo plum in front while Brassel’s pace was too much for Ally Onai, clean bowling him.

The win places Namibia at the top of the table, and in charge of the early running.

In the second game on Monday, Sierra Leone blew away a struggling Nigeria by nine wickets, at the University Ground. Only Paul Pam (22) provided any resistance with the bat for the Eagles, as George Sesay (four for 15) and Raymond Coker (three for 14) tied them up in knots.

Nigeria’s nightmare ended after 27 overs, as they were bundled out for just 73. In stark contrast, Alusine Turay struck a composed 38 not out from 51 balls, and Coker added a patient 22, in a stand of 72 for the opening wicket.

That sealed the match, and though Croker fell just before the finish line, nothing could take away from a clinical performance by Sierra Leone – who had happily embraced the tag of dark horses ahead of this tournament.

In this mornings fixtures, Sierra Leone and Uganda won the toss and elected to bat first against Kenya and Nigeria respectively. Uganda were in early trouble losing their top order cheaply while Sierra Leone started well against the Kenyans.

Scores in brief

Namibia v Tanzania

Namibia 139 all out in 50 overs (A Busing-Volschenk 39, G Janse van Rensburg 27, S Basha three for 5, A Mwamele two for 18)

Tanzania 33 all out in 19 overs (J Brassel three for 6, M Kariata two for 7)

Namibia won by 106 runs

Nigeria v Sierra Leone

Nigeria 73 all out in 27 overs (P Pam 22, G Sesay four for 15, R Coker three for 14)

Sierra Leone 74 for one in 17.5 overs (A Turay 38 not out, R Coker 22)

Sierra Leone won by nine wickets

FIXTURES

Thursday 27th July

9:30am: (Dar Gymkhana) Tanzania vs Nigeria

9:30am: (UDSM) Sierra Leone vs Namibia

Friday 28th July

9:30am: (Dar Gymkhana) Kenya vs Uganda

Saturday 29^th July

9:30am: (Dar Gymkhana) Uganda vs Sierra Leone

9:30am: (UDSM) Kenya vs Nigeria

Sunday 30^th July

9:30am: (Dar Gymkhana) Nigeria vs Namibia

9:30am: (UDSM) Tanzania vs Sierra Leone