By Bockarie Allieu
The semi-final clash in the ICC U-19 Men’s Division 2 World Cup qualifier takes place today in Tanzania, with Sierra Leone taking on Nigeria.
Sierra Leone emerged as the leader of Group A after a seven-wicket victory over Botswana at the Dar Gymkhana Oval. They secured their semi-final spot with a six-wicket win over Malawi in their second group stage match. This win against Botswana earned Sierra Leone the top position in Group A, setting up today’s match against Nigeria, the runner-up in Group B.
Sierra Leone aims to secure one of the three available slots in the eight-nation tournament to advance to the Division 1 qualifier tournament in 2025, which is a pathway to the 2026 ICC World Cup in Sri Lanka. Sierra Leone reached the semi-finals with 6 points, remaining unbeaten in three matches with a Net Run Rate of 2.441. Rwanda came second in Group A on net run rate, tied in points with Botswana and Malawi. In Group B, Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals with 4 points from three matches, winning two and losing one, with a Net Run Rate of 2.711.
Sources from Tanzania reveal that the board and management of Cricket Sierra Leone have promised the team a significant winning bonus for today’s match and the final. Chairman Francis Samura has urged the team to give their all to defeat their West African counterparts, Nigeria. A victory today will automatically qualify the team for Division 1. The last encounter between the two countries in an U-19 semi-final match saw Sierra Leone narrowly losing to Nigeria in Abuja. The Junior Patriots are determined to avenge that loss and aim for the championship trophy.
In the other semi-final match, host country Tanzania will face Rwanda, the runner-up from Group B. The winners of today’s matches will advance to the final to compete for the championship and runner-up positions, while the losers will battle for third place and the bronze medal.
