Tanzania, Botswana and Ghana get early wins

At Sahara Park Willowmoore, Nigeria won the toss and sent Tanzania in. Abhik Patwa top-scored for the Tanzanians with 76 (131 balls). He was well supported by his captain, Hamisi Abdallah, who hit 69 (135 balls). The pair laid the foundation for the innings with Tanzania finishing on 231. Isaac Okpe was the pick of the Nigerian bowlers with figures of 2 for 28 off 9 overs.

In the other games, Ghana’s David Ankrah led the way top-scoring with 43, and taking 4 for 7 off 3.5 overs. Chasing 180 Sierra Leone were bowled out for 66. After a good bowling performance the Sierra Leoneans let themselves down with the bat.

In the final match of the day Botswana recorded a strong win over Zambia by 81 runs. The Zambians started well, bowling their opponents out for 135 inside their 45 overs. They could not, however, capitalize on a good performance in the field and were bowled out for 54. Thatayaone Tshose ending with figures of 4 for 16 off 5 overs for the men from Botswana.

Play resumes this morning with Zambia taking on Sierra Leone, Botswana playing Tanzania and there is a West African derby between Nigeria and Ghana.

The six teams are competing for a position in the ICC’s World Cricket League Division 5.

All matches will be live scored through here www.icc-cricket.com. The fixtures and more information for the tournament can be accessed here.