Tanzania dominates U-19 cricket

Tanzania continues to shine in the ongoing the Africa Under-19 Women Cricket tournament in Dar es Salaam.

they kicked off their campaign on the right footing, beating Zambia by 2 wickets at the Annadil Burhani ground in Dar es Salaam.

Zambia won the toss and went to bat first, setting a target of 81 runs all out in allotted 30 overs for Tanzania to chase.

Tanzania skipper Zakia Saguti - right arm medium pace bowler took 2 wickets as her team mate Eather Mika also a right arm medium pace bowler managed 2 wickets.

In reply to Zambia's target, Tanzania batters held their nerves and saw off their opponents after recording 82 runs for 8 wickets with two overs to spare.

Saguti was the highest scorer for Tanzania, after posting 21 runs, while Zambia's Sharon posted 14 runs and was the highest scorer for her team.

Tanzania's coach Mwanaidi Ibrahim was happy with the way her team had approached the game.

"We were confident and our bowling was excellent. Our game plan was to restrict them from scoring a century and we managed just that.

We knew it will be easy for us to chase their target because we have good batters," she said.

On his part Zambia coach Said Malama conceded the defeat, saying the best side won the match.

"We'll come out stronger in the next match against Uganda tomorrow. I've seen them playing against Kenya. Both teams are tough but we are ready to shock them," said Malama.

Tanzania next opponent is Kenya. The match will start this morning at the same venue before another game in the afternoon that will pit Uganda and Rwanda.

The Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Chairman Zully Rehemtullah said the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) tournament that brings together four nations is aimed at developing cricket among women in the continent.

Kenya is expected to host similar tournament for senior women in the continent next month. Rehemtullah said Tanzania will also sent a team for the Kenyan event.