Tanzania U19 cricket team emerged victorious in the final of the Easter Youth 50-Over Series, defeating Uganda U19 by the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method in a rain-affected contest at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
Winning the toss, Tanzania opted to bowl first, a decision that proved crucial as they bowled out Uganda for 143 in just 32.3 overs. The pitch, worn out after five days of action, proved difficult for batting, with low bounce and significant turn making stroke play a challenge.
Uganda’s batting lineup struggled, losing early wickets before a 79-run third-wicket stand between Kidega Christopher (55) and Sohera Richard provided some stability. However, Tanzania’s spinners took control, with Hamza Ally Onai (3/33), Augustine Meya Mwamele (3/31), and Raymon Francis Emmanuel (3/42) dismantling Uganda’s middle and lower order.
Chasing a modest target, Tanzania faced their own struggles on the tricky surface. They lost their captain, Dylan Manish Tharkar, in the first over and were reduced to 42/4 by the 17th over. But a composed innings from Mwamele (48) and Acrey Pascal Hugo (45) steadied the chase.
At the 29-over mark, rain forced a halt to play, with Tanzania ahead of the DLS par score at 112/4. Despite Uganda’s spirited effort, particularly from Abdul Aziz Tandia (2/11 in 9 overs), Tanzania’s resilience saw them crowned champions.
Individual Awards
Best Batter – Dylan Manish Tharkar (Tanzania U19)
Best Bowler – Balidawa Ali (Uganda U19)
MVP – Christopher Kidega (Uganda U19)
