Kenya U-19 brace for Nigeria test in 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Kenya Under-19 captain Yash Gohil bats during a training session at Nairobi Gymkhana pm January 21, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Kenya previously edged Nigeria by 11 runs in the 2024 World Cup qualifiers, also held in Lagos.
- By Sunday evening, Namibia had secured victories over Nigeria (by 10 runs) and Sierra Leone (by 46 runs), while Tanzania thrashed Uganda and Nigeria by 73 and 122 runs, respectively. Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania each have four points, but Tanzania lead the standings thanks to a superior net run rate.
The Kenyan camp in Lagos, Nigeria, is buzzing with confidence following the team’s strong start to the 2026 International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Division One qualifiers.
The 50-over competition, played in a round-robin format, also features defending champions Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Tanzania and the hosts. The ultimate prize is a sole ticket to the 2026 ICC U-19 World Cup, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Coached by former player Josphat Irungu, Kenya opened its campaign with a commanding 58-run win over Sierra Leone on Friday, followed by a dominant seven-wicket victory over Uganda on Sunday. They face Nigeria at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval on Wednesday.
Reflecting on their performance, Kenyan captain Yash Gohil expressed satisfaction with the team’s momentum.
“The matches have been really good and excellent motivation for the team. The energy in the team is excellent, and we’re looking to carry the momentum on,” said Gohil on Monday.
Kenya’s 14-man squad, a blend of experience and young talent, have delivered impressive performances.
Against Sierra Leone on the slow wicket at the University of Lagos Oval, Kenya set a modest target of 149 runs, bowled out in 48.4 overs. In response, Sierra Leone faltered, managing just 91 runs in 20.1 overs.
Batsman and off-spinner, Akshith Sekar, was named Player of the Match, claiming three wickets in seven overs, including a maiden, while conceding 37 runs. Gohil top-scored with 29 runs from 90 balls.
Buoyed by this strong start, Kenya made light work of Uganda, bowling them out for just 69 runs in 19.5 overs. Kenya then chased down the target comfortably, scoring 70 runs for the loss of three wickets in 34.5 overs.
Neel Doshi was named Player of the Match for his stellar bowling performance, taking three wickets in six overs, including three maidens, while conceding just 13 runs.
However, it was Krishil Patel who recorded the most wickets in the match, taking four from 3.5 overs while conceding only 11 runs. Anthony Ndungu also impressed with three wickets in five overs, earning two maidens while conceding 16 runs.
Kenya’s Stian Smith top-scored with 29 runs from 38 balls.
Eager to return to the U-19 World Cup for the first time since their 2018 appearance in New Zealand, Kenya is determined to maintain their winning run against Nigeria.
“A win will be amazing, and we’ll fight hard again to also up our run rate in the tournament. Nonetheless, a win is what we are aiming for and what we want to achieve,” Gohil affirmed.
Kenya previously edged Nigeria by 11 runs in the 2024 World Cup qualifiers, also held in Lagos.
By Sunday evening, Namibia had secured victories over Nigeria (by 10 runs) and Sierra Leone (by 46 runs), while Tanzania thrashed Uganda and Nigeria by 73 and 122 runs, respectively. Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania each have four points, but Tanzania lead the standings thanks to a superior net run rate.