In a stunning display of dominance, Tanzania’s Under-19 cricket team crumbled to a mere 85 runs in just 36 overs against Afghanistan in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 at High Performance Oval in Windhoek on Wednesday. The match, part of Group D, saw Tanzania bat first after winning the toss, a decision that backfired spectacularly.
Tanzania’s innings was a tale of woe from the outset. They lost their first wicket at 1.4 overs when opener Akre Pascal Hugo departed for 3 runs off 9 balls. The very next over, Darpan Jobanputra was out for a golden duck, leaving the score at 5 for 2. Only three batsmen managed to reach double figures, with eight players failing to score in double digits and three not opening their accounts at all. Shockingly, in the entire innings, Tanzania hit just two boundaries and not a single six.
Ayan Sharif and Rehan Atif tried to steady the ship, scoring 8 and 11 respectively, but the middle order collapsed. The highest partnership came for the fifth wicket between Agostino Meya Mwamkele (14 off 49 balls) and captain Laksh Bakrania (10 off 46 balls), adding 35 runs before the stand broke at the stroke of 81 runs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers ran riot, led by Nooristani Umarzai who claimed a sensational 5 for 9 in 7 overs, including two maidens. Uzaireullah Niyazi picked 2 for 9, while Wahidullah Jadrani and Khatir Stanikzai grabbed one wicket each.
This loss marks Tanzania’s third straight defeat in Group D. They had previously fallen to West Indies by 5 wickets and were thrashed by South Africa by 329 runs. With their back against the wall, Tanzania now faces elimination from Super Sixes contention if they lose their next match. Afghanistan, meanwhile, strengthens its position in the group with this comprehensive victory.