Uganda started their South Africa Tour on a positive note with a commanding fourwicket win over the Titans in a Twenty20 warm-up match at SuperSport Park.
Pascal Murungi, the talented youngster making a comeback, guided the Cricket Cranes home with a composed 27* off 30 balls, showing poise under pressure in the middle order.
Titans struggled with the bat, managing only 101 runs in 16.1 overs. Marcus Bakker top-scored with 39 off 35 balls, while Jean
Pierre Le Roux added 34 off 41 balls.
Uganda’s spin bowlers were the architects of the collapse, led by left-arm orthodox Henry Ssenyondo, who took 3/21 in his full quota of four overs. Another leftie Alpesh Ramjani (2/10), youngster Joseph Baguma (2/17), and veteran Frank Nsubuga (2/22) shared the wickets, as the Titans could not find any rhythm against the disciplined attack.
In reply, Uganda chased down the modest target, scoring 103/6 in 18.5 overs. While the top order faltered, contributions from Riazat Ali Shah (16 off 22) and Ramjani (16* off 11) complemented Murungi’s steady innings. Sisanda Magala (2/22) and Zeeshan Ahmed Ismail (1/6) gave the Titans a glimmer of hope, but Uganda held firm to win with seven balls remaining.
Coach Abhay Sharma will now shift his focus to the 50-over format, starting today with a tougher test against the Titans at Wits University Ground, as the team continues preparations for the ICC World Challenge League B – a pathway to the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
Summary Match 1 – T20 Warm Up Fixture
Titans 101 All Out in 16.1 overs
M. Bakker 39 off 35, P. Le Roux 34 off 41
Henry Ssenyondo 3/21 in 4, Alpesh Ramjani 2/10 in 2.1, Joseph Baguma 2/17, Frank Nsubuga 2/22,
Uganda 103/6 in 18.5 overs
Pascal Murungi 27 not out off 30 balls Riazat Ali Shah 16 off 22 Alpesh Ramjani 16 not out off 11 balls
Magala 2/22 in 3.5 overs Zeeshan 1/6 in 2 overs M. Bakker 1/16 in 3 overs
Uganda XI won by 4 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
NEXT FIXTURE – TODAY – 11 AM (EAT)
Uganda vs. Titans, 50 overs, @Wits University Ground
Photo Credit: Innocent Ndawula
