The Baby Cricket Cranes’ chances of qualifying for next year’s ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup diminished significantly following their disappointing loss to Kenya on Friday.
The side lost by 23 runs to their fiercest rival to hand Namibia an added advantage to qualify.
Like it’s been the case throughout the tournament, Uganda were excellent with the ball, but like the story has been, they were once again dreadful with the bat.
Having won the toss and opted for the ball, Uganda restricted Kenya to 79 runs.
Baby Cricket Cranes
Joseph Baguma, the leading wicket-taker in the competition with 12 wickets, picked up three wickets, and so did Fahad Mutagana, the captain of the team who conceded only 7 runs from his six overs.
The chase started on a promising note, with Gerald Olipa and Ronald Omara combining for a 27-run partnership in the first 15 overs.
However, when Olipa fell in the 16th over, it was all downhill for Uganda as Kenya kept picking wickets.
Aarnav Patel, the Kenyan spinner who was named the best bowler in Division Two last year, was the star of the show with six wickets. Only Omara (18) managed a score in double digits for Uganda.
Namibia U19 Cricket team
The result leaves Uganda second in the table standings with the slimmest of chances to qualify.
Qualifying is now out of their hands, but for them to have that chance, they will need a big win against Sierra Leone on Saturday and pray Namibia lose terribly to Nigeria on Sunday.
Namibia currently lead the table with 7 points, and everything points towards them booking their ticket to Sri Lanka for the World Cup next year.
Courtesy Photos
