The Cricket Cranes booked their place in the semifinals of the African Games after their narrow win against South Africa in their final Group A game on Wednesday.
Team captain Brian Masaba was stretchered off because of a discomfort he suffered while fielding in the first innings, but it was thanks to him that the Cricket Cranes got over line.
Uganda relished a brilliant bowling spell in the first Innings. Bilal Hassun 4/10 and Alpesh Ramjani 3/9 were especially head and shoulders above the rest as their side restricted South Africa to just 95/9.
However, a familiar batting display almost undermined their bowling efforts.
Roger Mukasa (41) was the only exception in Uganda’s batting lineup, but Masaba who re-entered in the 19th Over helped save face.
Uganda entered the final Over needing 11 runs to seal victory. The skipper skied two maximums, the first one coming at the start of the Over, and the second at the opposite end to ensure just that. He ended the game with 14 off 8.
It was the Cricket Cranes’ third win in the group, and they advance to the semifinals as Group leaders.
Rivals Kenya who beat Ghana in the other group game also secured their spot in the next round as group runners up.
Both sides will await to see who they face in the next round. Zimbabwe, leaders of Group A, Tanzania placed second and Nigeria placed third are all in the running for the top two spots.
Courtesy Photos
