Uganda’s Cricket Cranes delivered a stunning performance on Friday, as they crushed Bahrain by 150 runs to secure their place in the final of the Hong Kong One Day Tri-Series.
The victory, which showcased a blend of exceptional batting and clinical bowling, reaffirmed Uganda’s growing dominance in international cricket, particularly in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B.
Under the guidance of head coach Abhay Sharma, the Cricket Cranes made a couple of changes to their lineup.
Robinson Obuya and left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo were rested, making way for wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru and veteran spinner Frank Nsubuga.
In addition to the changes in personnel, Sharma also altered the batting order, but it was clear from the outset that Uganda was intent on sending a message to their opponents.
Batting Brilliance: Kakuru and the Top Order Shine
Bahrain, having won the toss and opted to bowl, found themselves under immediate pressure.
The Cricket Cranes’ top order, led by the impressive 21-year-old Kakuru, who was playing his first game of the Tri-Series, was in full swing.
Kakuru anchored the innings with a stylish half-century, scoring 69 runs off 79 balls, punctuated by seven fours and a six. His performance was crucial in setting the tone for Uganda’s innings.
Kakuru’s opening partnership with Shrideep Mangela was equally significant, with the two adding 73 runs before Mangela was dismissed for a well-made 46.
Their solid start laid the foundation for the middle order to accelerate, and Alpesh Ramjani, batting at three, did just that. Ramjani’s 57 runs off 37 balls, including four fours and as many sixes, was a pivotal knock that ensured the Cricket Cranes maintained momentum.
The middle and lower order continued to pile on the runs, with Dinesh Nakrani adding a blistering 32 from just 15 balls, including four sixes.
Even with Riazat Ali Shah, the team’s skipper, playing a more subdued role due to a cramp, the lower order contributed to pushing Uganda to a challenging total. Shah’s 12 off 13 balls helped ensure the Cricket Cranes finished strong.
Although Bahrain managed to bowl Uganda out in the 46.5th over, the Cricket Cranes had already posted a formidable total, leaving Bahrain with a mountain to climb.
Bahrain’s Struggles Against Uganda’s Bowling Attack
Chasing down a steep target of 276, Bahrain’s reply was sluggish from the outset. They were restricted to a mere 20 runs by the 12th over, with their batting lineup struggling to break free.
The middle overs were particularly tough for Bahrain, who reached the halfway mark of their innings with barely 100 runs on the board.
Uganda’s bowlers were on top throughout. Ramjani, who had been so destructive with the bat, proved equally effective with the ball, taking five wickets and making life miserable for Bahrain’s batsmen.
Cosmas Kyewuta supported well, picking up two wickets, while Frank Nsubuga chipped in with one. To add insult to injury, both Kyewuta and Nsubuga were involved in run-outs, dismissing Muhammed Rizwan Butt and Asif Ali, respectively.
Bahrain’s innings crumbled under the pressure, and they were eventually bowled out for just 125 in the 38.2nd over, with Uganda claiming a comprehensive 150-run victory.
The result marked the second time in just three months that Bahrain had been comprehensively beaten by Uganda, following a 166-run defeat in the first round of the Challenge League B in November.
In a long shot to achieve the World Cup Dream, Uganda sits atop the Tri-Series standings, securing their place in Sunday’s final, where they will await the winner of the clash between Hong Kong and Bahrain.
This series serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming second round of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, which runs from February 4-17 in Hong Kong.
Currently leading the Challenge League B standings with nine points, Uganda is in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup Qualifier Playoff.
They will look to build on their momentum and enter the Challenge League B with confidence, aiming for a top-two finish that will guarantee their place in the Qualifier Playoff.
From there, the top four teams will progress to the final qualification tournament for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
For Uganda, this Tri-Series victory is a crucial step in their preparation for quest to secure ODI status and make their mark on the global stage.
The Cricket Cranes’ dominant display against Bahrain is a testament to the team’s growth, and with the Challenge League B looming, they will be determined to continue their upward trajectory in world cricket.
