The Cricket Cranes continued their fine form in Match 5 of their Tour to South Africa, defeating the Titans Academy XI by an emphatic 182 runs at Irene Villagers Cricket Club.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah’s side, who have steadily improved throughout the series, displayed clinical performances both with the bat and the ball.
Winning the toss, Ali Shah opted to bat first and led from the front, scoring an impressive 85 off 72 balls, his first notable contribution with the bat on this tour.
His innings, featuring eight boundaries and four sixes, set the tone for Uganda’s highest total on the tour so far – 310 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Raghav Dhawan added to the top-order firepower with a crucial 82-ball 70, which included 11 boundaries and two sixes.
Kenneth Waiswa also chipped in with 33 off 43 deliveries, while Cosmas Kyewuta closed the innings with a blistering unbeaten 25 off 16 balls, decorated by two fours and two sixes.
The batting unit demonstrated significant improvement with three vital 50-run partnerships, particularly between Dhawan and Waiswa, Dhawan and Ali Shah, and Ali Shah and Nakrani.
In defense of their formidable total, Uganda’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in pairing seam and spin attacks. Left-arm orthodox spinner Henry Ssenyondo, a tour standout, claimed 4 wickets for just 13 runs in 6.5 overs, continuing his dominant streak. Paceman Cosmas Kyewuta and veteran spinner Frank Nsubuga each contributed with two wickets apiece, helping to bowl out Titans Academy XI for 128 in 33.5 overs.
K. Patel and M. Hartkopf attempted to anchor the Titans’ innings with contributions of 36 and 20 runs respectively, but Uganda’s bowlers proved too potent.
The convincing victory, secured by a margin of 182 runs, underscored Uganda’s progress as they sharpen their skills for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, a critical pathway event for the 2027 World Cup qualification.
Uganda will conclude their South African Tour with a final match against Wits at the University Ground, seeking to continue their strong momentum ahead of November’s Challenge League B event at home.
Match Summary
Uganda XI: 310/9 in 50 (R. Ali Shah 85, R. Dhawan 70, K. Waiswa 33, C. Kyewuta 25*; S. Patel 4/45)
Titans Academy XI: 128/10 in 33.5 (K. Patel 36; H. Ssenyondo 4/13, C. Kyewuta 2/17, F. Nsubuga 2/36)
Uganda XI won by 182 runs
Courtesy Photos
