Game 3 – ICC T20 World Cup Africa Final
Zimbabwe – 136 for 7 in 20 overs
Uganda – 138 for 8 in 19.1 overs
The cricketing world was shocked yesterday as the Uganda men’s national cricket team, Cricket Cranes picked up their first ever win against a test nation following their victory over Zimbabwe at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers Africa in Windhoek, Namibia.
In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Cricket Cranes put in a commanding performance to beat Zimbabwe by 5 wickets (with 5 balls to spare). Zimbabwe who managed 136 for 7 in 20 overs failed to defend their score after Uganda who are an associate nation posted 138 for 8 in 19.1 overs in the final innings.
Cricket Cranes who were widely considered to be the underdogs going into the match, showed great resolve and determination as they held their nerve against a much more experienced test side. Their efforts were lauded by the few traveling fans and experts alike, with many people praising the team for their bravery and resilience.
Tadiwanashe Marumani’s dismissal in the second over was a huge blow for Zimbabwe as Uganda’s confidence grew in stature. He was run out by Brian Masaba who also had Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza dismissed.
Dinesh Nakrani picked three wickets for 14 runs in his four overs as Uganda limited Zimbabwe to a score they could chase later in their innings.
However, Sikandar Raza led Zimbabwe’s charge with 48 runs of 39 balls. Innocent Kaia (23), Sean Williams (21) and Ryan Burl (13) also managed double figures.
For Uganda’s innings, Riazat Ali Shah led the way with 42 runs off 28 balls earning him man of the match award, followed by by Alpesh Ramjani who posted 40 runs off 26 balls.
Roger Mukasa (23) and Dinesh Nakrani (14) also managed double figures for the associate side.
Richard Ngarava picked two wickets for 24 runs in his four overs for Zimbabwe but his personal effort wasn’t enough to tame Cricket Cranes’ charge.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Cricket Cranes, who have been working hard for years to earn their place among the elite of world cricket. It is a fitting reward for their tireless efforts, and a testament to the quality of their players.
After three games, Uganda are third on the six-team table with four points, two behind joint leaders Namibia and Kenya. Zimbabwe and Nigeria have two points each, Rwanda has one point while Tanzania is yet to pick a point.
Meanwhile, a change in the qualification pathway last year by the ICC meant that teams now qualify directly to the World Cup from their regions. The top two sides at the end of the round robin format will qualify to the main event of the 20 team tournament in 2024. Uganda are in pursuit for a maiden senior men’s national team Cricket World Cup qualification.
Cricket Cranes have three big matches coming up, that is against; Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda. Uganda play Nigeria today, Monday at 3.30pm at Trustco United Cricket Ground.
