Downpour delays Uganda’s promotion to ICC Division III

Nearly there. Cricket Cranes celebrate victory over Denmark that set Uganda on course for a return to Div III. PHOTO BY ICC/MCA

What you need to know:

  • Two heavy moonson rain intervals and persistent lightning forced the umpires’ decision on what had been a bright and brilliant day.
  • Uganda were a mere two balls away from attaining a result, only attainable after playing 20 overs, when the heavens mercilessly opened for the second time.

The Uganda dug out at the UKM-YSD Oval in Bangi was a picture of glum-faced individuals after the umpires called off play at 5pm.
Two heavy moonson rain intervals and persistent lightning forced the umpires’ decision on what had been a bright and brilliant day.

Uganda were a mere two balls away from attaining a result, only attainable after playing 20 overs, when the heavens mercilessly opened for the second time.
But destiny stays in the Cricket Cranes’ hands as they can decide their fate.

Coach Steve Tikolo’s boys remain top of the log on with six points with a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) of 1.464.
Even if they go down to Jersey tomorrow , the Cricket Cranes still stay atop the log and claim the trophy. Jersey, who are third on the log with four points and a NRR of ±0.174, still have it all today.

They will not only have their eyes just on Uganda but also Denmark (six points and a NRR of ±0.349), who they can really chase down and overtake on the log.
Uganda will have their calculators out but only that they will not be scientific ones since the mathematics remains in their favour, thanks to the hard work done during the earlier days of the tournament with solid all round displays.

Losing margin to be avoided
Uganda must not lose by more than 112 runs to Jersey if they bowl first and they must also ensure they ball at least 23 overs as they defend whatever total they will have set if they bat first. The team bus back the hotel was a perfect description of loud silence with Roger Mukasa and Co feeling undone by the weather.
Irfan Afridi had led the onslaught with a spell of 4 for 26 in 10 overs as Uganda bundled out the Channel Islanders for 126 in 42.2 overs.

Returning paceman Bilal Hassun, Henry Ssenyondo and Frank Nsubuga chipping in three, two and one scalp respectively.
In the chase, Uganda was on 55 for 3 in 19.4 overs with Riazat and Deus Muhumuza on 11 and 5 not out respectively and five runs ahead on Duckworth and Lewis Method (DLS).
Uganda may be hurting but will have to re-energise their batteries for the virtual knockout against Jersey.
Bermuda and Malaysia, too, have to face off again at Royal Selangor oval.