The National U-19 Men’s cricket team survived a scare as they outwitted Nigeria by 30 runs to secure their first win at the ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers ongoing in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Having shared spoils with Namibia owing to the persistent drizzles that washed out their opening game on Sunday, and Namibia having beaten Tanzania on Monday, Uganda went into this game needing to stay at bay with the southern African nation.
The only way to achieve that was through victory, but the Baby Cricket Cranes were left bewildered at how the West Africans bundled them out in the 28th Over.
Uganda who have thrice featured at the U19 World Cup went into this game as favourites, but Nigeria found little resistance in bowling out Emmanuel Isaneez‘s boys who managed only 69 runs.
A very disappointing display from Uganda’s batting unit, but thanks to their bowling attack, they were able to save the day.
Nigeria were superb with their bowling! Emmanuel Udekwe picked four wickets, however, the Baby Cricket Cranes did better in that regard as they defended a score that might go down as the lowest ever defended in Youth ODI.
The two teams seemed to have read from the same script! Uganda’s first wicket fell in the 1.6 Over so did Nigeria’s, and for Uganda, both Joseph Baguma and Musa Majid, the opening bowlers each plucked three wickets.
Nigeria’s chase ended in the 18th Over when Ali Balidawa dismissed two in a succession.
The result puts Uganda third in the table standings, level on points with both Namibia and Kenya, but down due to a lower run rate.
Uganda will return to action Today against hosts Tanzania who had an off day on Tuesday.
Courtesy Photos
