The Uganda Cricket Cranes showcased their dominance in the on going Pearls of Africa T20 Series against with a resounding 28-run victory over their rivals Kenya in the Migingo Derby on Monday evening at the Entebbe Lakeside Oval.
This win marked Uganda’s third triumph following Nigeria and united Arab Emirates (UAE) victories were Uganda won the opening and second game by 77 runs and 6 runs respectively to solidified their lead in the tournament standings.
The Cricket Cranes won the toss and chose to bat first, setting a total score of 157 runs for 5 in 20 Overs. After being put in to bat, Uganda’s opening pair Shrideep Mangela (17) and Ronald Lutaaya started cautiously.
However, a formidable 72-run partnership between Raghav Dhawan (41off 39 balls) and all-rounder Robinson Obuya (40 off 48 Balls gave Uganda the upper hand.
Captain Juma Miyaji added a quickfire (19 off 8 balls) Miyaji and all rounder Dinesh delivered the finishing kick, smashing an unbeaten 24 off 14 balls helping Uganda post an imposing total 157 for 5 in their 20 Overs.
In response Kenya never recovered from the early fall of their captain Dhiren Gondaria (4), bowled by the
ageless Frank Nsubuga (3/10 in 3).
The 44-year-old then removed Tanzeel Sheikh for a golden duck the very next ball and later dismissed Pushkar Sharma as Kenya slumped to 12/3 in the powerplay.
Former Kenya skipper Rakep Patel offered brief resistance with a fighting 58 off 49 balls, supported by
Sachin Gill’s quickfire 30 off 21 balls, but Uganda’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured the
required rate kept climbing beyond reach.
The final flourish came from seamer Cosmas Kyewuta, whose incisive second spell dismantled Kenya’s middle and lower order, removing Patel, Gill, and Jasraj Kundi to finish with match-winning figures of 3 for 21 in 4 overs.
Alpesh Ramjani chipped in with one wicket while Miyaji and Nakrani kept it tight at the death.
Coach Jackson Ogwang praised the team’s discipline and tactical execution. “The batsmen dug deep to rebuild and then Nsubuga and Kyewuta showed great control,” said Ogwang.
Uganda will face Nigeria in their next match tomorrow Tuesday in the second round Robbin aiming to maintain their unbeaten run .
