Tanzania claim shock U19 Men's Cricket World Cup spot

Tanzania have scripted history by qualifying for the 16th edition of the Under-19 World Cup which will be held in 2026. Zimbabwe is going to host the global spectacle. This is the first time that Tanzania will feature in the tournament.

Tanzania secured a comprehensive 98-run victory over Sierra Leone at the UNILAG Cricket Oval in Lagos on April 5, in the final match of the 2026 ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. This was the fifth win in as many matches for the East African side.

Tanzania were under pressure heading into their final fixture as they needed a win to clinch qualification. The latter had been struggling in the competition, with no wins under their belt. Tanzania did not let the opposition have any say in the game, asserting their dominance throughout.

Skipper Laksh Bakrania led from the front as he scored a resolute 53 off 82 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Agustino Mwamele also chipped in with a handy 43 as Tanzania made a fighting total 179 all out in 49.4 overs.

In reply, Sierra Leone, who were playing for pride, scored 52 runs off 14.4 overs. However, Hamza Ally Onai's 5/24 helped Tanzania bowl out Sierra Leone for only 60. Bakrania also bagged a couple of wickets/.

"I am lost for words and it’s unbelievable that we have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in our history," the Tanzania skipper was quoted as saying by Wisden after the triumph.

Tanzania join Zimbabwe (who have automatically qualified as hosts) and based on the 2024 edition’s positions, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. 

Tanzania have become the 32nd team to qualify for the tournament in its rich history. This includes two defunct teams, the ICC Associates and the Americas. They will also become the first team to debut since Japan and Nigeria in the 2020 edition. Namibia finished second, as their four-wicket win against Kenya went in vain.