TANZANIA U-19 WOMEN’S CRICKET TEAM TARGETS WORLD CUP TICKET AS AFRICA QUALIFIER BEGINS

Tanzania U-19 Women’s cricket team captain Saumu Deo (centre) speaks about the team’s preparations ahead of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1 2026, which will take place in Dar es Salaam from August 30 to September 5, 2026.

Dar es Salaam, August 29, 2026 — Tanzania U-19 Women’s cricket head coach Imran Nackerdien has challenged his players to become “thinking cricketers” capable of making the right decisions under pressure as they battle for Africa’s sole ticket to the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027.

Nackerdien said preparations for the tournament have gone beyond the technical aspects of the game, with players being encouraged to read match situations, make informed decisions and take responsibility on the field.

“This tournament is not just all about cricket; it’s about thinking cricketers. That’s what we’re trying to produce — thinking cricketers on and off the field,” Nackerdien said.

Tanzania today welcomes seven of the continent’s most promising young women’s cricket teams for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1, which gets underway at the TCA Cricket Arena at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and runs until September 5, 2026.

The qualifier features eight African teams, with the winner securing the continent’s place at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027.

FOCUS ON DECISION-MAKING

Nackerdien acknowledged that playing on home soil brings additional expectations, but said Tanzania should also view hosting the tournament as a privilege and make the most of the opportunity to play international cricket in front of home supporters.

“Obviously, there is a lot of pressure being the home side, but also the privilege of being the host nation,” he said.

The coach explained that the team’s preparations have focused on helping players remain composed and think through different situations during matches.

He said the players have been trained to assess their position in a game, including keeping an eye on the scoreboard and determining how best to position themselves after a certain number of overs.

According to Nackerdien, the ability to understand match situations and respond intelligently will be critical as Tanzania faces strong opposition from across the continent.

He also emphasised the importance of unity and fighting spirit, saying both qualities will be vital if Tanzania is to overcome the challenge posed by its opponents.

SAUMU DEO TARGETS HOME-SOIL TRIUMPH

Meanwhile, Tanzania Women’s National Team captain Saumu Deo has set her sights on keeping the trophy on home soil.

Deo said the players are ready to give their best from the opening match through to the final and make full use of the support from home fans.

“We have promised that the trophy will remain at home. We will give our best from the beginning to the end, with energy and confidence,” she said.

With home advantage, strong support from local fans and a squad eager to make its mark, Tanzania will now look to turn its preparations into results as the race for Africa’s coveted ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027 ticket begins in Dar es Salaam.

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