- Uganda U-19 143/10 in 32.3 overs (Christopher Kidega 55, Nyiiro Jonathan 19)
- Tanzania U-19 112/4 in 29/29 overs (Augustine Meya 48, Acrey Pascal 45)
- Tanzania U-19 won by 34 runs (D/L)
Tanzania U-19 were crowned winners of the second edition of the Easter Youth 50-Over Series after defeating Uganda U-19 in a rain-affected final at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
The match which was decided via the Duckworth-Lewis method saw Tanzania claim victory after a disciplined all-round performance.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Tanzania U-19 made full use of a tricky surface that had seen five days of play.
Uganda U-19’s innings never quite took off, as early wickets put them on the back foot. Opener Gerald Olipa and Devansh Patel fell in the eighth over, leaving Uganda struggling at 15/2.
A lone bright spark came from Christopher Kidega (55), who fought valiantly, forging a 79-run stand with Sohera Richard. However, once that partnership was broken, Uganda’s lower order crumbled under relentless pressure from Tanzania’s spinners.
Hamza Ally Onai (3/33), Augustine Meya Mwamele (3/31), and Raymon Francis Emmanuel (3/42) combined to take nine wickets, bundling Uganda out for just 143 in 32.3 overs.
Chasing 144, Tanzania U-19 had their own struggles on a pitch that continued to favour bowlers. Uganda’s attack struck early, trapping captain Dylan Manish Tharkar LBW in the first over.
At 42/4 after 17 overs, Uganda had a glimmer of hope, thanks to a stellar spell from Abdul Aziz Tandia (2/11 in 9 overs, including four maidens).
However, Tanzania’s middle order steadied the ship, led by Augustine Meya Mwamele (48*) and Acrey Pascal Hugo (45).
Their crucial stand ensured that when rain interrupted play at the 29-over mark, Tanzania was well ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis scale with 112/4, surpassing the required DLS target of 78.
Despite a valiant effort from Uganda’s bowlers, fielding errors and missed chances proved costly. Dropped catches allowed Tanzania to gain momentum, and when the rain came, Uganda was left ruing their inability to capitalize on key moments.
With this victory, Tanzania U-19 lifted the Easter 50-Over Series trophy, while Uganda U-19 had to settle for second place.
Individual Awards
- Best Batter: Dylan Manish Tharkar (Tanzania U-19)
- Best Bowler: Balidawa Ali (Uganda U-19)
- MVP: Christopher Kidega (Uganda U-19)
