Africa Under-19s Cricket Championship's Update

After two rounds of matches in the inaugural Africa Under 19 Cricket Championships the competition could not be closer, with four teams tied on two points each.

In the first round of matches, played on Friday 5 January, Uganda scored 355 against West Africa. A crowd in excess of 500 at Lugogo Sports Club saw opener Lawrence Sematimba lead the way with a magnificent century. A hundred run eighth wicket partnership between Chris Engola and Richard Okia ensured that the home side posted a formidable total. In reply, West Africa never really got started against a disciplined pace attack, and were eventually dismissed for 77.

At Kyambogo Sports Club Namibia made easy work of beating Kenya, bowling them out for 127, with M. Durant taking 4-34 from eight overs. After losing an early wicket in reply, the captain Stephan Swanepoel guided his team to victory with a confident 74 not out.

In the matches played on Saturday 6 January, Namibia took on West Africa, whilst East and Central Africa played their first game of the Championships against Uganda.

Another good display from the Namibian bowlers saw them restrict their opposition to 120. The West Africans, following their heavy defeat the previous day, produced a magnificent effort to lift themselves, and bowled Namibia out for 110, in an innings of increasing tension and excitement. Having lost their in form captain Swanepoel to the first ball of the innings, Namibia lost wickets at regular intervals, which resulted in a historic first victory for the West African team.

A confident Uganda side played East and Central Africa at Kyambogo Sports Club, but were pegged back by accurate bowling and intelligent field placings. Their total of 147 was largly thanks to Fred Isabirye who scored a fine 41 before being run out by a direct hit from the boundary.

In reply, East and Central Africa lost two wickets early on, but a fine partnership between Govind (51) and Patel (39) took them towards the Ugandan total. When the partnership was broken three further wickets fell quickly and the substantial Ugandan crowd came to life, sensing a comeback. However effective hitting from H. Damji ensured that East and Central Africa won by four wickets.

Forthcoming fixtures:

Sunday 7 January
Kenya v East and Central Africa at Lugogo SC
Uganda v Namibia at Kyambogo SC

Monday 8 January
East Africa v Namibia at Lugogo SC
Kenya v West Africa at Kyambogo SC

Tuesday 9 January
Kenya v Uganda at Lugogo SC
East Africa v West Africa at Kyambogo SC