Nigeria set to qualify for 2020 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup

ANI  |  Cricket 

Nigeria's young side is one victory away from qualifying for the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup, after yet another commanding performance in the African qualifying tournament in

His opening partnership with was worth 97, and that set on their way. struck 31 at number three, as eventually reached 211 for three.

were then put under constant pressure by Nigeria's pace attack, led by the left-arm Mohameed Taiwo. He settled for 2/20 this time, while returned encouraging figures of 3/7 in eight overs. But, it was who really did the damage, his off-spin reaping 4/19, including the match-winning scalp.

If manage to defeat in their final game, they will head for their first ever U19 World Cup. The one team that could still catch Nigeria are hosts Namibia, who also had a commanding victory, ICC reported.

again breached 200, as Cock fell nine short of third Namibian century. His 91, as well as 55 from opener and 50 not out from the in-form Matthew de Gouveia, saw the hosts close on 250 for five. were still nursing the after-effects from the capitulation against Nigeria the day before, but they did show some character.

Zephania Arinaitwe blazed a terrific 69 from just 30 balls at the top of the order, to give the hosts something to consider. But, even as he flayed, wickets were falling at the other end, and he could never get anyone to stay with him.

and the evergreen Mauritius Ngupita took three scalps apiece, as closed in and eventually overwhelmed by 109 runs.

The third game of the day was the real thriller. and have had a quieter time of it thus far, but they came to life when they met. notched an impressive 225 for seven, with leading from the front with 69 from just 58 balls.

There was also a 41 from 13-year-old John Bangura, which proved crucial in the final reckoning. scored 32 not out from 15 balls with four sixes, to lift his side beyond 200.

In their chase, stayed interested for a long time. Dilan Shah's 74 not out was the backbone of the challenge, but he eventually ran out of partners. Satish Hirani's 22 looked like it might be the companionship Shah needed, but Hirani was one of Charles Kargbo's six victims, in an outstanding spell.

He would end with six for 32, claiming the final scalp to confirm a hard-fought victory for his side. Shah was left stranded at the other end, helpless against the carnage, as Sierra Leone prevailed by 31 runs.

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First Published: Fri, March 22 2019. 13:32 IST