Sierra Leone commenced its long journey to Sri Lanka 2026 on Saturday with a dramatic 7-wicket win against prized and well financed Rwanda in the ongoing ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier taking place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Coming from dusty ovals with stony outfields, debutant Head Coach Abass Gbla has a clear vision to race for a slot among eight nations, eyeing 2025 Qualifier, a path to Sri Lanka.
At the Dar Gymkhana Oval, Rwanda opted to bat first but got squeezed to only 51 runs, all booted out in the 19th over, conceding 8 extras.
How did it go? Sierra Leone’s George Sesay delivered 31 dot balls from sumptuous lengths, taking four wickets with a bowling economy of 2.50.
He then switched place with James Bangura who followed the rhythm with 22 dot balls, taking two wickets while Raymond Coker came in for 1, as Mohamed Turay had the remaining three limped off to the dugout to set a 52-run target.
The reply was straight and consciously carved. The sage says keep the wickets, so when Sierra Leone grabbed the bat, it lost only three wickets and achieved its 52-run grace in the 12th over, celebrating the day with 7-wicket win.
George Sesay won Man of the Match with four wickets from six overs, conceding 16 runs.
Sierra Leone has won all four ICC matches it has played against Rwanda since 2016.
Up next, the Junior Patriots will face Malawi for the first time on Monday, 5th August, 2024 at the Dar Gymkhana Oval in Dar es Salaam.