The Cricket Cranes wrapped up the historic Bahrain Tour to Uganda with a thrilling 2-1 series victory, clinching the final match by a narrow margin of three runs courtesy of the Duckworth-LewisStern (DLS) Method this evening.
The concluding game, initially planned as a 50-over match, was reduced to 30 overs per side due to overnight rains that delayed the start at the Jinja SS Oval.
Ugandaās skipper, Riazat Ali Shah, chose to bat first, setting 162 for 6, bolstered by a solid 79-run opening combo between Robinson Obuya (47 off 62) and Raghav Dhawan (38 off 57). Kenneth Waiswa added a valuable quick-fire 19 off 20, setting a competitive target for Bahrain on a challenging wicket.
Despite missing frontline bowlers Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta, Ugandaās makeshift attack, led by Dhawan and debutant Ivan Baidhu with the new ball, managed to put pressure on Bahrainās top order.
Bahrainās chase was powered by a 66-run partnership for the second wicket between Shahbaz Badar (44 off 59) and Junaid Aziz Mehr (18 off 36).
However, the reintroduction of ex-captain Brian Masaba (2/29) and Alpesh Ramjani (2/28) into the attack shifted momentum back to the hosts at 118 for 5.
As bad light intervened in the 24th over of Bahrainās innings, they were left at 120 for 5ājust four runs shy of the DLS score of 124 needed for victory. The umpires subsequently called off play, awarding Uganda a three-run win by the DLS Method and cementing their 2-1 series triumph.
The tourās success showcased promising talent on both sides, with Ugandaās Robinson Obuya named Best Batsman of the series, amassing 95 runs across three matches, and Cosmas Kyewuta awarded Best Bowler for his effective spells, claiming 4 wickets for 25 runs in two appearances.
Bahrainās captain Haider Ali was named the series MVP for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring 67 runs and taking 3 wickets, totaling 178 points.
Match Summary – Game Three (Reduced to 30 overs)
- Uganda 162/6: (Robinson Obuya 47, Raghav Dhawan 38; Imran Javed 2/28, Imran Khan 2/30)
- Bahrain 120/5: Revised Target: 124 in 24 (Shahbaz Badar: 44, A. Ramjani 2/28, B. Masaba: 2/29)
- Uganda won by 3 runs (DLS Method)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
- Player of Series: Haider Ali (Bahrain) ā 178 points (67 runs & 3 wickets)
- Best Batsman: Robinson Obuya (Uganda) ā 97 runs in 3 matches B
- Best Bowler: Cosmas Kyewuta (Uganda) ā 4 wickets for 25 runs in 2 matches
Courtesy Photos