Two centuries light up round three

Papua New Guinea tailender Norbert Kunia rescued his team with a personal best score of 104no against Nigeria and Tanzanian number three Benson Mwita (124 off 96 balls) dominated the Fijian attack to light up Round 3 of the ICC Africa/EAP U19 World Cup Qualifier played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa today.

Kunia, batting at number 10, came to the crease with his side in dire straights at 8/85. He and skipper Kila Pala (70 off 77 balls) cautiously countered and then flayed the Nigerian attack in a 121 run 9th wicket partnership. Kunia reached his maiden century in the last over and his 104no off 84 balls included 12 boundaries and 4 sixes. Not to rest on his laurels, Kunia then claimed 2/8 off 7 overs as Nigeria couldn't withstand the now confident Papua New Guineas and were bundled out for 90. Left arm quick Loa Sisia did the early damage claiming 4/26.

Over on C Field, Mwita (11 4's and 5 6's) hammered the hapless Fijian attack to all parts of the ground and with Abhik Patwa shared a 110 run partnership at better than run a ball as Tanzania amassed 5/304. The stunned Fijians could then not offer any resistance to the left arm leg spin of Athumani Kakonzi (7/12 of 6.1) and lost the last 8 wickets for 33 runs to be bundled out for 90 in only 26.1 overs.

Action from Uganda v Namibia © ICC

The showcase game of the round was the eagerly anticipated clash between Uganda and Namibia to determine first and second in Pool A. Namibia won the toss and elected to bat but were never able to shake the enthusiasm and discipline of the Ugandan bowlers and fielders and were bowled out for 134 in the 46th over. 4 run outs were evidence of the Ugandan ground fielding skills with ST Ackerman the mainstay for Namibia with 36 in 104 balls.

Uganda's reply with the bat was steady and cautious with the Namibians working hard to make run scoring difficult. However, 134 was just not enough for Namibia and the tight and tense run chase was achieved in the 45th over with the loss of 6 wickets.

In the last game of the round the patient and determined Zambian batters were no match for Kenya's consistent attack and were dismissed for 140 in just on 40 overs at A Field. Six Zambians reached double figures but none were able to fully master the pace of Ashish Karia (3/19 off 10 overs) and the left arm spin of Rohit Vekaria (4/26 off 10). Kenya comfortably achieved their target losing only 2 wickets with Alex Obanda piloting the innings with 76no off 131 balls.

Pool A has now been decided with Uganda to play the loser of tomorrow's rescheduled PNG v Kenya match with Namibia to face the winner in the other semi final on Thursday. These four are the remaining teams still with a chance to qualify for the ICC Youth World Cup in Sri Lanka in February next year.

Tanzania will play Nigeria and Fiji will hope to record their first win against Zambia in the second half of the play offs to be also be played on Thursday.

Round 3 results:
PNG 9/269 (Kunia 104no, Pala 70, Joshua 3/23, Olajioe 3/34) defeated Nigeria 90 (Sisia 4/26)
Tanzania 5/304 (Mwita 124, Patwa 73, Shani 38) defeated Fiji 90 (Rika 29, Kakonzi 7/12)
Namibia 134 (Ackerman 36) lost to Uganda 6/138 (Otim 25)
Zambia 140 (Velcaria 4/26, Karia 3/19) lost to Kenya 2/142 (Obanda 76no)

* note: PNG to play Kenya tomorrow