LAGOS, April 12, 2025 - It began with sheer technical brilliance, game awareness, sweat and resilience that metamorphosed to reeling emotions.

The tears and screams of excitement were enough to awaken the 'god of rain' in the ancient city of Lagos—laced with relative sweltering temperature, to probably add spice to Tanzania’s victory on the day. 

Tanzania Under 19 Men’s Cricket team have just qualified, for the first time, to the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2026.

They picked the only available slot in the continent, shoving aside five other contenders; Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Sierra Leone and hosts Nigeria at the Division One Qualifiers to claim the coveted prize on Sunday, April 6. 

THE JOURNEY 
 

Bookmakers may not have tipped Tanzania as one of the favourites in the tournament especially with defending champions Namibia and three-time World Cup participants Uganda in the fray.

Earlier, a relatively abysmal performance in 2023 saw Tanzania relegated to Division Two, finishing fifth place out of six teams. 

So, they began their long walk to the 2026 World Cup in that division where they hosted seven other teams in September 2024 and won the tournament, securing a spot, alongside Sierra Leone and Nigeria, to Division One. 

Perhaps, the victory at the Easter Youth ODI Series against Uganda, as part of preparations for both teams ahead of the Division One Qualifiers in Lagos, reawakened their resolve to punch harder. 

In Lagos, an East-African derby pitching the aforementioned teams, saw Tanzania begin the campaign with a 73-run commanding win against their Ugandan neighbours.

Also, a superb all-round performance saw the Dar es Salaam-based team dismantle hosts Nigeria, combining an excellent effort with the bat and ball to secure a 122-run victory in their second game. 

The captain Laksh Bakrania-led side held their nerve in a nail-biter against the tournament’s favourites Namibia to win by 17 runs, making it three wins out of three as a top-of-the-table clash would see Tanzania pitted against Kenya, who were also on a winning streak, with three wins in three to their belt.

Bakrania led his side to grind out a 54-run win against fellow East Africans and the 98-run victory against Sierra Leone in their final game triggered celebrations from Lagos to Dar es Salaam as the team booked their first ever Under 19 World Cup spot.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

 

Pivotal. Invaluable. Asset.

I am not convinced the right adjective has been used to describe the contributions of Bakrania, his captaincy prowess and game awareness in the tournament. 

Bakrania has always been one for the future and a player who thrives in clutch situations. As a 14-year-old, in 2021, the left-arm orthodox bowler made the headlines with a 5/28 in his 9.3 overs spell against Namibia at the ICC World Cup Africa Qualifier in Kigali. 

His contribution ensured a win for Tanzania and earned him Player of the Match honours on the day. 

Now, as captain, all-rounder Bakrania delivered for Tanzania while becoming the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. 

He scored 208 runs, leading the competition’s batting chart and contributed with the ball, claiming eight wickets in their five games, including two Player of the Match accolades. 
 

A delighted Bakrania, for a moment, was unable to join his teammates in celebration upon qualification, as he appeared to have frozen, probably allowing the moment to sink in as he struggled to hold back the emotions.  

"I am lost for words and it’s unbelievable that we have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in our history," Bakrania said.

"It is a great moment for the country of Tanzania, and it is down to the hard work of the team and the support and encouragement from the Tanzania Cricket Association."

Tanzania’s success was no doubt a collective effort as a couple of youngsters also grabbed the attention of fans in Lagos.

The likes of right arm medium Khalidy Amiri Juma and leg spinner Raymond Francis were threats to the batting line up of any opposition, leading the onslaught with 21 wickets between them. 

Also, the duo of Karm Kiseto and Agustino Meya Mwamele made statements with the bat, amassing 93 and 91 runs respectively, making crucial contributions for the World Cup bound team. 

WHAT NEXT
 

Tanzania is the 12th team to qualify for the World Cup to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2026.

A total of ten teams have automatically qualified for the event as the best-placed full member nations from the previous event in 2024.  

They are; Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, a full member nation is the 11th team with automatic qualification as hosts of the tournament. 

Four places for the tournament are yet to be decided, with one place up for grabs in each of the four remaining regional finals.

Asia and East Asia-Pacific qualification places will be decided later this April, with European and Americas qualifiers concluding for August.

As debutants, it is pertinent for Tanzania to begin World Cup preparations as soon as possible to ensure they compete and not just participate.

However, Africa would definitely rally behind the team supporting their quest for World Cup glory.