April 12, 2017 By Sahr Morris Jnr
Mohamed Khan of Sierra Leone appeals
Sierra Leone national cricket team, The Patriot are on the brink of relegating to the ICC Africa World Division II, following a poor, shamble and dismal performance at the ongoing 2017 ICC World Cricket League African qualifier at Sahara Park Willowmoore in Benoni, South Africa.
The Patriot final hopes of escaping relegation in the tournament hang in the balance and a must win encounter against Tanzania on Thursday.
Another defeat to Botswana last Tuesday marked the West African side poor run continuation in the tournament going down narrowly by 2 wickets to their Southern African opponents, their fourth in four matches.
Unlike previous matches, Sierra Leone started the Botswana match with batting and were all out for 137 runs in 48.5 overs. Youngster, Edward Ngegba, continued his good form in the tournament as he was Sierra Leone’s top scorer in the match with 42 runs from 87 balls.
Botswana replied in the second inning with 138 for the loss of 8 wickets in 44.3 overs with Motlanka been their stand out player with 53 runs from 104 ball.
The defeat does not only put an end to Sierra Leone hopes of not only progressing to the ICC/African Division 5 or staying at the Davison 1 but sent the team back to the Division II tournament, which they won in April, 2016.
With a game to go against Tanzania on Thursday, the Patriot has nothing more to play for but pride having lost to Ghana by 113 runs in the tournament opener, 41 runs defeat to Zambia and also 91 runs nutmeg to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Ghana sealed the only qualifying spot to the ICC Division 5 with a victory over Tanzania.