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Revenge served cold as Uganda crush Hong Kong-China
Celebration scenes were many throughout the match as Alpesh Ramjani cut through Hong Kong's batting line-up like a hot knife through butter. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
Business Time. The Cricket Cranes sent a strong message with a dominant 76-run victory over hosts Hong Kong-China to cement their unbeaten run and strengthen their push for ODI status and possibly Cricket World Cup qualification.
HONG KONG – CHINA. Revenge is a dish best served cold. In similar conditions on February 1 10 days ago, Hong Kong-China defeated Uganda by 68 runs to win the Tri-Series final – a build-up event for the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B. But Uganda patiently waited to avenge their miss out on silverware.
On Thursday, on a similar tricky surface with short, tempting boundaries at Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC), the Cricket Cranes returned the favour with an emphatic 76-run victory, dismantling the hosts in front of a modest crowd. With this statement win, Uganda extended their lead atop the log to 16 points, four clear of joint second-placed Italy and the hosts.
All-round brilliance
Uganda’s left-arm all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani produced a stellar performance, starring with both bat and ball. He top-scored with 68 off 54 balls and then tore through the Hong Kong-China batting line-up with 4/18 in 9 overs and two catches to deservedly claim the Player of the Match (POTM) award.
“We are at a very critical stage in this tournament. We were under pressure to win this game because we shared points with Italy and Hong Kong-China was breathing down our necks. We are pleased with our efforts today,” said Ramjani.
“I have been adjudged POTM but I can tell you that everyone did his job today. The surface was not easy to bat on upfront but Robinson Obuya and Shrideep Mangela did their bit with a 50-run opening stand and then me and Dhawan got a century stand. We worked like a well-drilled team with a plan. Now the onus is on us to finish it against Tanzania.”
Uganda’s coach Abhay Sharma was full of praise, too. “We played a perfect game. The best game we have executed this tournament in all three departments.
The openers did their bit to fight out the first hour after we lost the toss and we were asked to bat first. 277 was always going to be a competitive target on this ground with its conditions.”
On Yasim Murtaza (50 off 67) and Zeeshan Ali (51 off 64)’s hitting, Sharman said the team didn’t have butterflies in the stomach.
“We had plans for everyone and you can see our game plan worked. Even when pressure came, we stuck to it. We will not celebrate today, because the job is not finished. We have a match to play against Tanzania.”
Batting powerhouse
Uganda’s innings was built on crucial partnerships, with Ramjani (68), Raghav Dhawan (52 off 77), and Riazat Ali Shah (40 off 25) leading the charge. Despite a few mini-collapses, the East Africans managed a commanding 276 all out in 49.5 overs.
The home side’s bowlers had some bright moments, with veteran spinner Ehsan Khan bagging 4/53 in 10 overs and Murtaza taking 3/34 in 8.5.
Wicketkeeper Fred Achelam, who contributed with the gloves and bat, noted the importance of partnerships. “Victory today has helped us open up a four-point gap. This will make our work easier in the third and last leg of the event in Tanzania next year.
"Maybe we will have the party there in Dar-es Salaam when we achieve our goal of progressing to the next stage of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers that will have One Day International (ODI) status. For now, we are happy, shall enjoy the Rest Day but are still hungry as we want to end on a high.”
Falter in chase
Hong Kong-China started steadily at 37 for no loss in 8 overs before Ramjani struck twice in quick succession. Babar Hayat and Murtaza attempted to resurrect the chase, but Uganda’s disciplined bowling unit never allowed any significant momentum.
Once young pacemen Cosmas Kyewuta (2/43) and Juma Miyaji (2/54) dismantled the middle order, the hosts crumbled, folding for 200 in 46.3 overs.
Uganda’s next assignment is against fellow East Africans Tanzanias, a match that could further solidify their dominance in the Challenge League B.
ICC CWC CHALLENGE LEAGUE B
Results – Thursday
Uganda 276/10 Hong Kong-China 200/10
Uganda won by 76 runs
Singapore 117/10 Bahrain 123/2
Bahrain won by 8 wickets
POINTS TABLE
Team M W L N/R Pts NRR
1. Uganda 9 7 0 2 16 2.163
2. Italy 8 5 1 2 12 2.630
3. Hong Kong China 9 5 2 2 12 -0.056
4. Bahrain 9 4 4 1 9 -0.013
5. Tanzania 8 0 6 2 2 -2.486
6. Singapore 9 0 8 1 1 -2.140
N/R denotes No Result NRR denotes Net Run Rate
