By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Senior Men’s National Cricket Team has earned silver medals at the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifiers, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The team’s impressive performance in the tournament has brought pride to the nation, signaling significant progress in Malawi’s cricketing journey.
Despite stiff competition from other African teams, Malawi displayed skill and determination throughout the qualifiers. The team secured multiple victories, advancing to the final stage, where they ultimately fell short of clinching the top spot. However, their efforts were rewarded with silver, marking one of the team’s best performances on the international stage.
Team captain Mohammad Ashraf praised his players for their resilience, noting that the silver medal reflects the hard work and dedication of the team both on and off the field. “We are proud to bring this honor to Malawi, and this silver medal shows that we are on the right path in developing our cricket,” he said.
Malawi’s cricketing authorities, including the Cricket Union of Malawi (CUM), also lauded the team’s achievement. CUM President Vivek Ganesan said the team’s performance in Tanzania signals growing potential for Malawi to become a formidable force in African cricket. “This is a proud moment for Malawian cricket. Our players have shown that we can compete at a high level, and we are confident this will inspire more young players to take up the sport,” Ganesan remarked.
The ICC T20 Sub-Regional Africa Qualifiers serve as a pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with teams competing for a chance to advance to the regional finals and potentially earn a spot in the global tournament. While Malawi did not secure the top spot to advance further, their silver-medal finish sets the stage for future success in upcoming tournaments.
The team is expected to return home to a warm reception, as Malawian cricket fans celebrate their historic achievement. The focus now shifts to continued preparations and building on this momentum for future international competitions.
