Uganda’s 3-1 loss on tour in Namibia tells a simple story, minimal progress with the ball, but costly struggles with the bat.
Having lost on day one to Namibia A by 8 wickets, Henry Ssenyondo starred on day two with the ball just like Kenneth Waiswa to secure a 7-wicket win.
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From there on, Namibia tightened the knot to expose what they are made of, with two consecutive wins, one T20 win, and one 50 Over win (a brutal 173-run victory) before abandoning the last revised-overs match due to rain.
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“My first area of emphasis on this tour will be batting” were the words of the head coach Steve Tikolo on his unveiling before the team left for Namibia.
Exposed more by Namibia, this is a problem that has rolled on for a couple of years and one that can’t vanish in one day, but if solved would take the team to a different height.
The final match in Windhoek on March 25 summed it up. Chasing 160, the Cricket Cranes were 53/4 after 19 overs when rain stopped play, denying them a chance to fight for victory.
The game was abandoned, handing Namibia the 50 over series 1-0 and closing out a difficult tour for Uganda.
There were positives. Uganda’s bowlers showed control and discipline, restricting Namibia to 159 all out in 30 overs.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah led from the front, while Joseph Baguma’s 4/42 broke the middle order and Bilal Hassun’s 2/17 kept things tight at the end. Just one extra conceded, down from 27 in the previous game showed the improvement.
But the bat told a different story. Uganda’s chase never settled. Robinson Obuya fell first ball in a disputed decision, and early wickets left the innings shaky.
Gerald Olipa (17) and Simon Ssesazi (11) tried to steady things, but at 35/4, the pressure was already telling.
Kenneth Waiswa and Anas Baig began a slow rebuild before rain intervened, with Uganda still far from control.
It was a familiar pattern throughout the tour. The bowlers competed; the batters struggled to build innings. Starts came, but partnerships didn’t last. Uganda often found themselves rebuilding instead of pushing forward.
Head coach Steve Tikolo pointed to improved discipline, especially with the ball. Namibia coach Craig Williams noted Uganda’s structure but called for more consistency.
Vice-captain Juma Miyaji admitted it was a tough but important learning experience.
There were signs for the future. Young players like Olipa, Baig, and Charles Musemeza showed promise and added depth to the squad.
Uganda now turns to upcoming ICC events in Tanzania and Nigeria with clear lessons.
