NIGERIA's cricketers have booked a spot in the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1, following the squad's seven-wicket thrashing of Rwanda in the Division 2 showdown's third-place playoff in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The two teams met in the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 2 third-place playoff after losing their last four phase clashes versus Sierra Leone and hosts Tanzania on Thursday and Friday.

In yesterday's third-place tie, which turned out to be a low-scoring affair, Rwanda batted first and ended with a paltry 45 runs all out in 23.4 overs.

Opener Chris Namuhoranye was so far the performer that had a significant showing at the crease as the cricketer returned with 23 runs, nailing two fours and a sixer, and fellow opener Jasper Nziza ended three runs short of two digits.

The rest of Rwanda's batting unit could hardly wade off a ferocious bowling attack deployed by Nigeria's bowlers, leaving the crease in quick succession.

Skipper Gafar Kareem (4-8 in 5.4 overs) led the Nigeria bowling attack, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to ensure his squad tames Rwanda's batting unit. He was ably assisted by Joseph Onoshagbe (3-3 in three overs) who made matters worse for Rwanda's batsmen.

Needing just 46 runs to secure victory, Nigeria hardly wasted time, grabbing 46/3 in mere 12.3 overs to, consequently, nail a spot in the ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier Division 1.

The batting side was unperturbed by the four early exits of the top-order batsmen, with Peculiar Egamasi (26 runs not out) eventually guiding the West African nation's cricketers to the much-needed triumph.

Yesterday's final, slated to start in the morning, brought together the showdown's best performers, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. The two sides gallantly cruised to the final without losing a game- leading groups A and B.

While Tanzania made short work of Rwanda, grabbing a 64-run win over the latter in the first of the last-four phase games at the Gymkhana venue, Sierra Leone delivered a commanding performance against Nigeria in the other last-four match.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sierra Leone restricted Nigeria to 116 runs all out in 31.3 overs.

Nigeria managed to handle Sierra Leone's opening pace attack of James Bangura and George Sessay well, scoring 34 runs comfortably.

However, recognizing the comfort with which Nigeria's openers Ali Rahmon and Hossana Omokhobio were playing, Sierra Leone captain Raymond Coker introduced a spin attack in the powerplay- with him and Mohamed Turay taking turns with the ball.

This strategic move paid off as Coker bowled Omokhobio in the ninth over, shifting the momentum in Sierra Leone's favour. 

Peculiar Egamasi fought valiantly for Nigeria, top-scoring with 29 runs, but his efforts failed to steer his team to victory.

Raymond Coker was once again instrumental, taking 3-18 in nine overs and leading his team with a crucial 109-run partnership with Alusine Turay.

Turay top-scored with an unbeaten 65 runs off 52 balls, guiding Sierra Leone to a comfortable chase and finishing at 119/1 in just 19 overs. This partnership was the key to their ninth-wicket victory.

Coker, winning his third consecutive Player of the Match award and tying with Tanzanian prodigy, Laksh Bakrania, for the top wicket-taker spot with 12 wickets, was delighted with the win.

The skipper noted: "We trust and believe in each other. As a group, we are strong and keeping our focus for the final."

His statement was followed by the team's spirited 'Ala-lo-li-lo-lo' chant, showcasing their unity and determination.

In an intense semi-final clash at the UDSM ground, Tanzania showcased its determination and skill to secure a spot in the final.

Winning the toss, Tanzania elected to bat first. The innings was anchored by a heroic performance from Darpan Jobanputra, who scored a gritty 56 off 132 balls.

His steadfast presence at the crease was crucial in helping Tanzania reach 164/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Jobanputra's partnerships were key to the innings, with a 37-run stand for the fifth wicket with Sayan Jobanputra and a 41-run partnership for the 6th wicket with Omary Ramadhani.

Despite losing opener Dylan Manish early, and the huge celebration from the Rwandan team when Karim Kiseto, the tournament’s top run-getter, was dismissed, Jobanputra held the innings together.

Jobanputra mentioned after the match: "The instructions were simple: stay on the wicket, runs will come."

Rwanda’s chase began steadily, reaching 80/4 after 30 overs, with Yves Cyusa leading the charge.

However, Tanzania’s opening bowler, Khalidy Juma, stepped up for his second spell and turned the game in his team's favour.

In the 31st over, Juma took two wickets in two balls, sending the stumps cartwheeling and dismissing Theoneste Hakuziyaremye and Tshiama Mukeba in successive deliveries.

Rwanda's innings went into a shell, with Cyusa left watching wickets fall at the other end.

Eventually, with the required run rate climbing, Cyusa had to go for it, only to be stumped off Azhar Premji's bowling by wicketkeeper Omary Ramadhani.

Despite a valiant effort from Cyusa, who scored 55 runs off 109 balls, Rwanda was bowled out for 105 in 42.5 overs.

Tanzania’s disciplined bowling, led by Khalidy Juma (3-30), ensured their victory by 64 runs, securing their place in the final.