Uganda’s fourth victory on their South Africa tour didn’t come easily, but left-handers Alpesh Ramjani and Dinesh Nakrani stood tall with a match-saving partnership to see the Cricket Cranes across the line in a tense encounter against the Titans Academy XI at LC de Villiers, HPC Pretoria.
Chasing a target of 214, Uganda found themselves in deep trouble early on at 63 for 6, with top-order batsmen falling in quick succession.
Makeshift opener Fred Achelam (7), Robinson Obuya (7), and Raghav Dhawan (0) fell cheaply, while captain Riazat Ali Shah (10), Kenneth Waiswa (16), and Pascal Murungi (14) couldn’t steady the innings.
However, it was Ramjani (59 not out) and Nakrani (91 not out) who combined for a 151-run unbeaten stand for the seventh wicket to guide Uganda to a 4-wicket win with 41 balls to spare.
Nakrani’s 91 off 99 balls was laced with six boundaries and two sixes, while Ramjani’s 59 off 64 featured seven boundaries, with both batters displaying immense grit and composure under pressure.
Earlier, Uganda’s bowlers put in a solid shift, restricting the Titans Academy to 213/7 in 50 overs. R. Salia top-scored for the hosts with 85 off 117 balls, while A.B. Rasool chipped in with 44 off 68.
Dinesh Nakrani was the pick of the Ugandan bowlers, claiming 3 for 27 in 7 overs, supported by Joseph Baguma (2 for 40) and Alpesh Ramjani (1 for 29).
The victory, although hard-fought, serves as a crucial test for Uganda as they continue to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) World Challenge League B.
Match Summary
Titans Academy XI: 213/7 in 50 overs (R. Salia 85, A.B. Rasool 44; D. Nakrani 3/27, J. Baguma 2/40)
Uganda XI: 214/6 in 43.1 overs (D. Nakrani 91, A. Ramjani 59; Van Der Westhuizen 2/36)
Uganda won by 4 wickets with 41 balls remaining.
Next Match – 9th October 2024 : Uganda vs. Titans Academy XI, Irene Villagers CC
Photo Credit: Innocent Ndawula
