Tanzania lower order pulls off stunning 1-wicket victory over Ireland after 21/6 collapse

Tanzania’s lower-order batters pulled off an incredible comeback in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against Ireland on January 13 in Windhoek. Chasing 198, Tanzania had slumped to 21 for 6 in the 10th over, but they fought back to win by one wicket with 34 balls remaining.

Earlier, Tanzania captain Laksh Bakrania won the toss and chose to bowl. Khalidy Juma took a brilliant five-wicket haul in just 7.1 overs, restricting Ireland to 197. Batters Freddie Ogilby (36), Rob O’Brien (30), Adam Leckey (38), and Mark Bates (33) got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Juma cleaned up the tail in the final overs, taking three wickets in four balls.

Where was the collapse?

Oliver Riley caused early trouble with the new ball, dismissing Dylan Thakrar, Darpan Jobanputra, and Karim Kiseto in quick succession, and also got Omary Ramadhani cheaply. Leckey struck back with the ball too, removing Augustino Mwamele and Ayaan Shariff. By 9.4 overs, Tanzania were reeling at 21/6.

Bakrania and Simba Mbaki tried to stabilize the innings. Bakrania stayed at the crease for 10 overs but was eventually dismissed for 12 off 30 balls in the 20th over by Callum Armstrong.

How did the lower order pull this match?

Mbaki and Abdulazak Mohamedi then put together a crucial 64-run stand for the eighth wicket. Mbaki narrowly missed a fifty, scoring 49 off 59 balls, including four fours and a six, before Luke Murray broke the partnership. With Tanzania at 134, the last pair – wicketkeeper Acrey Hugo and Ally Hafidh – held their nerve. Mohamedi was dismissed by Riley, who completed his five-wicket haul, leaving Tanzania needing just eight runs with one wicket remaining. Hugo remained unbeaten on 29 off 48 balls, and together with Hafidh, they finished the chase on the second ball of the 45th over with a boundary, leaving Riley stunned.

Tanzania’s warm-up streak continues

This was Tanzania’s second consecutive win in the warm-up matches. They had earlier beaten Japan by 81 runs under the DLS method in a rain-affected game, bowling Japan out for 45 in 14.3 overs. Tanzania is in Group D alongside West Indies, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Their tournament campaign will start against the West Indies on January 15.