Uganda stamped a dismal start after losing to Tanzania in their ICC Men’s U19 opening match in Lagos, Nigeria, this evening.
Despite showing determination to win their opener, Uganda lost after registering 116 runs in the 50 overs tournament and lost by 73 runs at the end.
But it was hard work and dedication that gave Tanzania a hefty victory.
Tanzanians displayed pride in playing after posting 189/8 in 50 overs, thanks to composed half-centuries from skipper Laksh Bakrania, who netted 60 runs from 111 balls, and Karim Kiseto, who scored 51 runs from 86 balls.
Tanzanian bowlers stepped up and delivered in style with Agustino Meya Mwamele playing brilliantly on both ends contributing a steady 23 with the bat and then spinning a web around Uganda with figures of 4/24 in 9 overs, showing class and control under pressure.
But the star of the day was Raymond Francis, whose spell of 5/27 in 9 overs earned him the Player of the Match award. A fiery and disciplined display that broke the back of the Ugandan chase!
With the pitch offering grip, Laksh’s decision to rotate his spin attack through the middle overs was spot-on, setting the tone for a clinical bowling effort.
The job, however, is far from done. Tanzania might have beaten Nigeria last year in Division 2, but this is 2025, and every match resets the stakes. The challenge is bigger, the opponents are sharper, and the stakes are higher.
