The Cricket Cranes are one win away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time ever.
The Cranes find themselves in this position after a deserved 33-run win registered against rivals Kenya on Wednesday at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Windhoek, Namibia.
Simon Ssesazi has had a below par exhibition in Namibia, but against Kenya, he was the star of the show.
The opener masterminded an innings for Uganda on their way to setting 162.
Ssesazi scored a half ton of 60 off 50 which was enough to earn him the Player of the Match award.
The left-hander was largely supported by Riazat Ali Shah, Alpesh Ramjani and Dinesh Nakrani who registered 26, 19 and 40 respectively.
Kenya’s response got off to a fying start; their captain Rakep Patel taking responsibility for that.
Rakep took a liking for Bilal Hassun‘s bowling especially as he scored 26 off 17. However, the Kenyan captain didn’t know what was coming his way when the same Bilal sent him back to the dugout in the fourth Over.
The Cricket Cranes were relieved from that trouble and they went on to pick three more wickets inside the 11th Over.
Both Ramjani and Riazat picked two wickets each, with the former dismissing another big hitter in veteran Collins Obuya.
Bilal ended up with four wickets to his name. The pacer dealt well with Kenya’s tailenders Sanchin Bhudia, Lucas Ndandanson and Vraj Patel who he dismissed in the 19th Over.
Bilal brought an end to the chase with those wickets, and Uganda defended their score with 6 balls to spare.
One more Final to play
This win puts Uganda closer to the dream! Coach Jackson Ogwang before this game said Uganda treats every game like a final. Well they have one last final on Thursday, and it will be against Rwanda.
Win that game, and the ticket for a first ever appearance at a World Cup will be secured.
Uganda currently sit second with 8 points, two behind Namibia who have already qualified, and two ahead of both Zimbabwe and Kenya.
There’s just one slot left in this qualifier; Uganda have an upper hand. They only need to win the game. Should Uganda lose and Zimbabwe beats Kenya tomorrow, Zimbabwe will take the slot as they have a superior net run rate.
Courtesy Photos
