Nigeria bow to Tanzania

CRICKET: Usman Bankola recorded 53 runs not out on a day Nigeria lost to Tanzania in the ICC Under-19 World Cup series in Benoni, South Africa. Tanzania won the match with 154 runs to remain in contetion as Nigeria tried all they could to redeem image after their previous poor show in the series.

Tanzania batted first with 297 runs, all out in just 49.5 overs as Nigeria fought hard in the second innings to record 143 runs for eight wickets in 50 overs. Tanzania's Enjo Kiogozi had the highest run as Hamisi Abdalla scored   37run  in the first innings. Oman Mandari scored 29 runs, while Seif Abdul had 23 runs. Nasibu Mapunda played 21 not out to make the victory more easier for the team.

  But determined Nigeria fought tooth and nail to make good impression of themselves in the second innings but failed to present strong batsmen in the early overs of the match. After the crash of three wicket, Augustine Alikali, Rotimi Adesanya and Lawunmi Ajibola, the youthful Nigeria woke up from their slumber to challenge the bowling power of the Tanzania. Not too long, Jerry Omoregbe moved in to keep the Tanzania at bay by just hitting the ball to make the game more interesting for Nigeria.
 
The Nigerian  was fortunate to hit 32 runs before he was eased out by Leg before wicket in the 38 overs. Apart from Usman who recorded 53 runs and Jerry, Yusuf Awobola was another player with a big heart as he was able to garner 18 runs for Nigeria while skipper of the side, Tayo Sowole could only score 9 runs.

  Nigerian officials had to celebrate this feat in spite of the loss to Tanzania. They believed it was a sign of improvement, having lost woefully in the previous games in the series. Meanwhile, information had it that Uganda and Botswana may qualify from the Nigeria zone following the results of their day three matches.

  As at the lunch break, Botswana had 192 runs for 8 wickets at 50 overs over Uganda as Zambia recorded 152 runs all out in 50 overs against Kenya, while Namibia hit 233 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs against another West African nation, Ghana.

 REPORTS: G.Dada, South Africa

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