Uganda defeated Kenya by 5 wickets in their Continental Cup T20-Africa match on Saturday, June 18, 2023, at the Gymkhana Cricket Oval in Nairobi.
The win puts Uganda in the finals of the tournament, where they will face Kenya again on Wednesday, June 21.
Uganda’s bowlers were on top form, picking up wickets at regular intervals to restrict Kenya to 117 runs for 8 wickets in their 20 overs.
Simon Ssesazi top-scored for Uganda with 56 runs, while Dinesh Nakrani scored 34 runs.
Uganda chased down the target in 18.4 overs, with 5 wickets in hand.
Uganda’s Coach Explains Decision to Stick with Youngsters
Uganda’s coach, Laurence Mahatlane, explained his decision to stick with the youngsters in the playing XI.
“If you look at the previous tournaments where we’ve missed out on qualifying for the ICC tournaments, we had some serious injuries to senior players. We lost experience going into such tournaments so it is important that we build that up,” Mahatlane said.
“For this youngsters to have grown up watching Kenya, it was important to give them a taste of the pressure and the intensity. Kenya have a very experienced team; they have three or four guys that have played in the World Cup so it’s important that these youngsters understand the kind of pressure.”
Uganda Faces Rwanda in Last Group Game
Uganda will face Rwanda in their last group game on Monday, June 19.
A win for Uganda will guarantee them top spot in the group, while a loss could see them finish second or third.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.
Uganda Looking to Win First Continental Cup T20-Africa Title
Uganda is looking to win their first Continental Cup T20-Africa title.
The team has never won the tournament before, but they have reached the finals twice, in 2017 and 2019.
Uganda will be confident of winning the title this year, with a strong team and a good record against Kenya.
Courtesy photos
