Dubai: As the next ICC World T20 event draws nearer, the pathway for Africa to that showpiece International Cricket Council event began in earnest on Nigerian soil, with the start of the ICC World T20 Africa Qualifier A in Lagos, from April 14-21.
The festive Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval will play host to Sierra Leone, Ghana, The Gambia and hosts Nigeria over the next week, with each team playing six matches.
Patricia C. Kambrani, the ICC Development Manager for Africa, said ahead of the start of the tournament, “We are delighted that the qualifiers for the ICC World T20, 2020, are kicking off in Africa. The Nigerian Cricket Federation has worked extremely hard to putting the event on, and we wish the best of luck to all competing teams.”
The action kicks off on Saturday, with the tournament opener pitting the hosts against Sierra Leone in the morning clash. The afternoons match will see Ghana and The Gambia lock horns. In Sunday’s action, The Gambia play Nigeria in the first game, before Sierra Leone and Ghana do battle in the afternoon.
There is a lot to play for over the next week, as the top two teams from the tournament will win passage to the ICC World T20 Africa Qualifier to be held in 2019.