Uganda’s Cricket Cranes ended their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign on a high, defeating Nigeria’s Yellow Greens by 66 runs in the fifth-place playoff at Takashinga Cricket Club on Saturday evening.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah delivered a captain’s knock, smashing a blistering 66 off 30 balls to guide Uganda to a commanding 196 for 7 in 20 overs. His innings featured six boundaries and four sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Riazat received solid support from newcomers Gaurav Tomar (33 off 25) and Sumeet Verma (33 off 18), whose composed middle-order partnerships ensured Uganda posted their highest total of the tournament.
In reply, Nigeria faltered under Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack. Left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo was superb with figures of 3 for 12 in four overs, while Alpesh Ramjani (2 for 17) and Juma Miyaji (1 for 24) tightened the screws as Nigeria managed only 130 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Nigeria’s captain Sylvester Okpe top-scored with 29 but found little support from the rest of the lineup.
The result secured Uganda a fifth-place finish in the regional qualifiers — a respectable outcome, though tinged with disappointment after the team narrowly missed out on the semi-finals due to early losses against Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
“Our start was poor, and it cost us,” admitted head coach Abhay Sharma. “The Tanzania collapse where we lost seven wickets for 15 runs was the lowest moment. That match decided our fate.”
Captain Riazat Ali Shah reflected on the campaign with optimism:
“This was a wake-up call. We showed our true ability against Nigeria but must learn to execute better and play our roles consistently.”
The qualifiers concluded with Zimbabwe lifting the trophy after a seven-wicket win over Namibia, while Kenya claimed third place by defeating Tanzania by 51 runs. Malawi finished seventh.
Match Summary – Fifth Place Playoff
Uganda 196/7 (20 overs): Riazat Ali Shah 66*, Tomar 33, Verma 33; Okpe 2/31
Nigeria 130/7 (20 overs): Okpe 29; Ssenyondo 3/12, Ramjani 2/17
Uganda won by 66 runs
