The Uganda men’s national cricket team, Cricket Cranes triumphed in a thrilling conclusion to their historic home series against Bahrain, securing a 2-1 series victory with a narrow three-run win in a rain-affected match at the Jinja SS Oval.
The deciding match, initially planned as a 50-over game, was reduced to 30 overs per side due to overnight rains that delayed the start of play.
Uganda’s captain, Riazat Ali Shah, chose to bat first and led his team to a competitive total of 162 for 6.
Shah’s decision was bolstered by a 79-run opening partnership between Robinson Obuya, who scored 47 off 62 balls, and Raghav Dhawan, who contributed 38 off 57 deliveries.
Kenneth Waiswa provided a quick-fire 19 off 20 balls at the end, helping Uganda set a challenging target for Bahrain.
In response, Bahrain started their chase on a strong note, powered by a 66-run second-wicket partnership between Shahbaz Badar (44 off 59) and Aziz Mehr (18 off 36).
However, Uganda’s bowling attack, led by debutant Ivan Baidhu and experienced bowler Cosmas Kyewuta, managed to keep Bahrain’s batsmen under pressure.
The reintroduction of former captain Brian Masaba (2/29) and spin bowler Aphas Ramjani (2/28) slowed Bahrain’s progress, leaving them at 118 for 5.
With only four runs needed to reach the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) target of 124, the match came to a halt due to bad light.
The umpires ruled in Uganda’s favor, awarding them a three-run victory via the DLS method, allowing the Cricket Cranes to celebrate a memorable series win on home soil.
The series highlighted exceptional performances from both teams.
Robinson Obuya of Uganda was named Best Batsman after scoring 97 runs across the three matches, while Cosmas Kyewuta earned Best Bowler honors for his impressive tally of 4 wickets for 25 runs in two games.
Bahrain’s Haider Ali, who scored 67 runs and took three wickets, was awarded the Player of the Series and Series MVP.
Match Summary – Game Three (Reduced to 30 overs)
Uganda: 162/6 (Robinson Obuya 47, Raghav Dhawan 38; Imran Javed 2/28, Imran Khan 2/30)
Bahrain: 120/5; Revised Target: 124 in 24 overs (Shahbaz Badar 44, A. Ramjani 2/28, B. Masaba 2/29)
Result: Uganda won by 3 runs (DLS Method)
