MCC v Tanzania XI - match report
by Lt. Col Tim Lerwill (Tour Manager)
The local papers describe the MCC as “cruising to a third victory”. The reality though was slightly different as the MCC had to draw on all its experience to avoid being beaten by a young national XI that was sharp in the field and bowled extremely well.
The winning margin, when Tanzania lost its 10th wicket with 5 overs left to play, was 24.
Solid stand: Geoff Warrington Inserted by the impressive Hamisi Abdalla, a lively 19 year old left arm quick medium bowler, the MCC never looked comfortable on an awkward, slow track until skipper, Michael Foster and Geoff Warrington, in a stand of 59, overcame an indifferent start, making a large total likely.
Foster, who miscued a full toss when on 33, top scored, which once again put the MCC under pressure that was increased 5 runs later by an outstanding piece of fielding by Kakonzi to run out Daniel Pratt.
In attempts to raise the rate, shots began to find fielders and the MCC were bowled out in 48 overs for just 126.
The serious intent of the MCC when taking the field resulted in a flurry of early wickets to leave the Tanzania XI reeling at 5 for 27.
Kassim Nassoro, a diminutive 16 year old, showing no nerves twice stroked boundaries through the off side before pulling his third boundary and looked to have enormous potential to put the local side back into contention.
When he went, with the score at 61 and with 25 overs still left, the balance had begun to swing the local side’s way.
Luke Vinter then produced a superb spell, 3 for 16, to once again limit Tanzania until the number 9, Nanda Dichecha, batting sensibly gathered 27 runs before he ran out of partners 24 runs short of the target.
It is fair to say that the pitch was slow and had excessive lateral movement but that would be unfair to the groundstaff who had been asked to prepare a wicket at 6.00pm the evening before.
With limited equipment a decent strip had been cut, rolled and ODI restrictions marked by 9.00am and both teams faced the same conditions.