How Cricket Cranes have dominated the two Challenge legs

The final match, where they defeated Tanzania by 59 runs, marked the end of a dominant run for the Cricket Cranes in both Uganda and Hong Kong. Captain Riazat Ali Shah’s leadership was instrumental in driving the team towards victory, while Raghav Dhawan’s sensational batting earned him the Player of the Tournament (POT) accolade.

With scores of 85, 71*, 52, and 63, Dhawan amassed 271 runs in just four innings, playing a key role in Uganda’s victory. His transformation from an out-of-form player in Uganda to a match-winner in Hong Kong was one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament.

Early arrival

“We came here early knowing that conditions would be different,” said Assistant Coach Jackson Ogwang. “We adapted quickly, and our planning paid off. The seaming wickets and small boundaries were challenging, but we executed 80 percent of our game plan.”

The team’s bowling attack also shone through, with Henry Ssenyondo (16 wickets) and Juma Miyaji taking crucial wickets when needed. Ssenyondo, in particular, delivered key breakthroughs, while Miyaji adjusted his bowling to perfection, now with a haul 18 wickets in the tournament – joint top of the bowling charts with Hong Kong-China captain Yasim Murtaza.

Coach Abhay Sharma highlighted the importance of team work, singling out the contributions of both senior and new players; “Dhawan, captain Riazat Ali Shah, Fred Achelam, and Ssenyondo played brilliant roles. We are a work in progress, but the team is in a good space.”

Work to be done

With the focus now shifting to the T20 format and the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, Cricket Cranes’ impressive outing in Hong Kong gives them a perfect foundation to build on for the upcoming challenges. Coaching Consultant Craig Williams noted that the team’s batting is starting to click, and there are still areas to refine, particularly in partnerships and converting solid starts into big scores.

“We have work to do for the T20 qualifiers, but the boys are in great shape,” Williams added. “When we come on tours like this, we put in a lot of hard work, and the fans at home should be proud of what the team has achieved.”

Uganda’s journey doesn’t stop here. With the 50-over season concluded, the team will now focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers, with their eyes firmly set on further success and an opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

ICC CWC CHALLENGE LEAGUE B

Uganda – Full Results

Uganda 249/9 Bahrain 197/10

Uganda won by 52 runs

Singapore 243/9 Uganda 245/2

Uganda won by 8 wickets

Uganda vs. Italy

Match Abandoned (Without A Ball Bowled)           

Uganda 276/10 Hong Kong-China 200/10

Uganda won by 76 runs

Uganda 148/10 Tanzania 89/10

Uganda won by 59 runs

Points Table - After Two Rounds

Team                           M        W        L          N/R     Pts       NRR

1. Uganda                   10        8          0          2          18        2.005  

2. Italy                         10        7          1          2          16        2.914  

3. Hong Kong              10        5          3          2          12        -0.436 

4. Bahrain                   10        4          5          1          9          -0.325 

5. Tanzania                 10        1          7          2          4          -1.549 

6. Singapore               10        0          9          1          1          -2.024

N/R denotes No Result, NRR = Net Run Rate, Pts = Points 

MOST WICKETS – TOP 7

Yasim Murtaza (HKG): 9 matches, 18 wickets, 4/17, Ave 12.16

J Miyagi (UGA): 9 matches, 18 wickets, BBI 6/17, Ave 14.38

H Ssenyondo (UGA): 7 matches, 16 wickets, BBI 4/28, Ave 9.25

CJPF Kalugamage (ITA): 8 matches, 15 wickets, BBI 3/17, Ave 16.46

GK Berg (ITA): 8 matches, 14 wickets, BBI 3/12, Ave 12.42

AR Ramjani (UGA): 9 matches, 14 wickets, BBI 5/69, Ave 15.78

C Kyewuta (UGA): 7 matches, 13 wickets, BBI 5/26, Ave 16.38

MOST RUNS – TOP 9

Anshuman Rath (HKG): 9 matches, 379 runs, HS 90*, Ave 47.37

Riazat Ali Shah (UGA): 9 matches, 374 runs, HS 104, Ave 53.42

Raghav Dhawan (UGA): 8 matches, 354 runs, HS 85, Ave 50.57

M Campopiano (ITA): 8 matches, 329 runs, HS 62, Ave 54.83

Sohail Ahmed (BHR): 9 matches, 274 runs, HS 70*, Ave 45.66

EN Gay (ITA): 4 matches, 269 runs, HS 96*, Ave 134.50

AR Ramjani (UGA): 9 matches, 268 runs, HS 74, Ave 44.66

SG Mangela (UGA): 9 matches, 248 runs, HS 102*, Ave 31.00

R Obuya (UGA): 9 matches, 244 runs, HS 48, Ave 27.11

HIGHEST TEAM TOTALS - TOP 10

Italy: 342/4 (50 overs), vs Hong Kong, Entebbe, won (Nov 9, 2024)

Uganda: 291/9 (50 overs), vs Hong Kong, Kampala, no result (Nov 10, 2024)

Uganda: 289/7 (50 overs), vs Tanzania, Kampala, won (Nov 9, 2024)

Uganda: 276 (49.5 overs), vs Hong Kong, Kowloon, won (Feb 13, 2025)

Uganda: 267/8 (50 overs), vs Bahrain, Entebbe, won (Nov 16, 2024)

Uganda: 254/9 (50 overs), vs Italy, Entebbe, won (Nov 13, 2024)

Uganda: 249/9 (50 overs), vs Bahrain, Mong Kok, won (Feb 7, 2025)

Uganda: 245/2 (40.4 overs), vs Singapore, Kowloon, won (Feb 10, 2025)

Singapore: 243/9 (50 overs), vs Uganda, Kowloon, lost (Feb 10, 2025)

Bahrain: 237 (49.5 overs), vs Tanzania, Kampala, won (Nov 15, 2024)

Italy: 230 (49.3 overs), vs Uganda, Entebbe, lost (Nov 13, 2024)

UTILITY – TALKING POINT

Hong Kong Conquered. The Cricket Cranes wrapped up their second leg of the ICC CWC Challenge League B in stunning fashion, completing an unbeaten campaign with 18 points after 10 matches. Uganda won four matches in Hong Kong, including a bowlers’ triumph in the 59-run victory over Tanzania in the final game. Uganda’s consistency was evident, particularly with Raghav Dhawan’s stellar performances, and the team’s overall adaptability to the conditions they faced.