The Cricket Cranes bounced back strong with an 8-wicket win over Rwanda at the ongoing Continental Cup T20-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
Following their wanting display in a loss to Kenya on Saturday, they picked themselves up in style on Sunday.
This was Uganda’s third game, and they returned to winning ways having lost to Kenya yesterday.
Newcomers Shine
Laurence Mahatlane made changes to the team, handing Siraje Nsubuga and Robinson Obuya their national team debuts.
The other change was former U19 captain Pascal Murungi who got his first game at the tournament.
The three came in for Kenneth Waiswa, Bilal Hassun, and the captain Brian Masaba, and they did not disappoint their manager.
On their debuts, Nsubuga and Obuya were top performers, only edged by left-hand spinner Henry Senyondo.
Bowler Nsubuga picked three wickets from as many Overs while Obuya scored 33 quick-fire runs, the most by anyone on the day.
Obuya walked in to bat at number three after Simon Ssesazi had been caught by Rwanda’s pace bowler Ignace Ntirenganya.
His partnership with Roger Mukasa (25 not out) produced a combined 50 runs to set the tone for Uganda.
Riazat Ali Shah’s Cricket Cranes moment
Riazat Ali Shah was the other batter that batted for Uganda and he got 7 runs not out in what was a low-scoring game.
Also to note, the all-rounder captained the Cricket Cranes for the first time in a T20I game.
Senyondo claimed the same number of wickets as debutant Nsubuga, but he won the Player of the Match accolade.
He had the second-highest bowling figures, conceding only 12 runs, and had an economy of 3.00.
The player with the best figures was Frank Nsubuga who picked two wickets conceded 9 runs and had an economy of 2.25.
The win leaves Uganda second in the table standings. Kenya stayed on top after similarly beating Botswana in the morning.
Action returns on Tuesday at the same venue as the teams will have a rest day today as the plan for their forthcoming games.
Courtesy Photos
