The Uganda national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, showed great intent in their first warm-up game ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B campaign with a 103-run victory over hosts Tanzania.
Played at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)’s newly erected NTS Ground on Tuesday, it was a historic moment, as the match was the first-ever played at the venue.
Uganda first posted an imposing 314/5 in 50 overs, thanks to a superb century from Sumeet Verma, who struck 106 runs off 114 balls.
Verma anchored the innings brilliantly, combining with captain Riazat Ali Shah, who smashed a rapid 65 off 44 balls. Raghav Dhawan also contributed 55, while vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa added 32.
Chasing a strong total, the hosts showed considerable fight, with their top order keeping the scoreboard ticking. Dhrumit Mehta made 41 off 37 balls, Abhishek Kumar added 33, and Umar Shaikh scored 35.
Mohamed Omary Kitunda contributed 25 as Tanzania reached 211 before being bowled out in 48.2 overs, with Uganda’s spinners doing most of the damage.
The spin attack featured seasoned slow left-arm orthodox spinner Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani, Joseph Baguma, and Player of the Match Verma, each claiming two wickets.
Medium-pacer Waiswa and fast bowler Juma Miyaji picked up one wicket apiece. The victory gives the Cricket Cranes a valuable confidence boost ahead of their Challenge League B campaign, which begins on August 8 against Tanzania.
Uganda will take on Hong Kong, China in their next and final warm-up fixture at the Annadil Burhani Cricket Ground in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.
