U19 WC Qualifiers: Panchani half-century secures Kenya's win over Nigeria

A half century from Darsh Panchani was the difference as Kenya men’s U19 cricket side secured another win in the ongoing ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup qualifiers - their third - after running over their opponents Nigeria by six wickets to close their business at the Dar Gymkhana Grounds in Tanzania.

The win now puts Kenya in firm contention to make it through to the World Cup finals in Sri Lanka next year, but will have to hope that fortune lies in their way.

The Josephat Irungu led side will be keen to see how neighboring Uganda and leaders Namibia fare in their remaining games, hoping for both sides to be on the losing side for them to get the sole ticket to the games.

On Saturday however, after winning the toss, Kenya elected to field on the seemingly rugged surface, and it worked to their advantage, as they, in back to back days, showed their immense bowling power, striking out Nigeria within 26.1 overs, and with just 84 runs on their books.

Man of the match Hitendra Sanghani was the star bowler as he poured in four wickets and one maiden, only allowing 26 runs in his 10 overs played.

Friday’s star Aarnav Patel - who had six wickets against Uganda - had one wicket, with new entrant Krish Haria nicking three wickets in the process, including the last ball to dismiss Chiemelie-Emmanuel Udekwe.

Nigeria’s Solomon Chilemanya was the top run scorer in the opening innings with 20 runs off 33 balls, with three men falling with ducks.

U19 WC Qualifiers: Aaarnav Patel's masterclass leads Kenya past Uganda

The target for Kenya after the innings break looked manageable, and with the opening duo of Panchani and Brian Likavu establishing a strong partnership of 26 runs in the first eight overs, the writing was on the wall for Nigeria, despite the fact that late wickets from the hand of Victor Samuel fell late in the game.

Ultimately, Stian Smith was once again an important figure in the batting lineup, as he showed patience with his 12 runs off 45 balls, while Panchani steered the last ball to the boundary, to secure the all important victory for Kenya.

Namibia play Nigeria on Sunday while Uganda battle Sierra Leone in a tricky matchup later on Saturday.