NDN Staffer
Colombo, Sri Lanka, Aug. 2 — Namibia’s U-19 cricketers have achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying for the 2024 ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, becoming the third team to secure their spot through the Qualifier route.
In an exciting final of the Africa Qualifier, the Walvis Bay Salt Eagles emerged victorious, defeating Uganda by 7 wickets. Namibia’s triumph was comprehensive, with their bowlers restricting Uganda to just 113 runs in 39.2 overs. The Salt Eagles then confidently chased down the target, achieving victory in only 27.3 overs, with captain Ben Shikongo leading the charge with an impressive score of 46 runs.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Namibian cricket and underscores the nation’s continued growth in the sport. Namibia has been a consistent participant in the U-19 World Cup in recent years, and their qualification for the 2024 edition positions them to make a strong impression on the global stage.
Joining Namibia in the U-19 World Cup through the Qualifier route are New Zealand and Nepal. New Zealand secured their place by winning the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, while Nepal advanced from the Asia Qualifier.
The 2024 ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is scheduled to take place in the West Indies from January 14 to February 5. As the tournament approaches, Namibia’s U-19 team will be preparing to showcase their talent and compete with the world’s best young cricketers, aiming to make their nation proud on this international platform. – Namibia Daily News
