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Uganda grits out victory against Tanzania to stay in charge with 18 points
Nago Express. Juma Miyaji wheels away in celebration enroute his career-best haul of 6 for 17. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
The win ensured Uganda remain atop the log with 18 points, setting up a crucial final leg in Tanzania, in August next year.
Uganda showcased immense resilience to claim a hard-fought 59-run victory over Tanzania in their final game of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B second leg at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground (TKRRG).
The win ensured Uganda remain atop the log with 18 points, setting up a crucial final leg in Tanzania, in August next year.
Having been asked to bat first, Uganda stumbled to their lowest total of the tournament, 148 all out in 41.1 overs, in a contest that demanded determination and skill. Raghav Dhawan’s gritty 63 off 102 balls held the innings together, as he notched his fourth successive half-century.
However, Tanzania’s Ally Mpeka Kimote (4/20) and young pacer Khalidy Juma (1/30) consistently threatened, leaving Uganda in dire straits at 40/4 and later 122/8.
Despite the below-par total, the Cricket Cranes turned to their famed bowling attack to salvage the contest.
Fast bowler Juma Miyaji produced a career-best performance, snaring a remarkable six-wicket haul (6/17) to dismantle Tanzania’s batting unit. His relentless precision saw Uganda defend their modest total with disciplined lines and lengths, dismissing Tanzania for just 89 in 29.1 overs.
“It wasn’t an easy game, but my teammates fought hard. Our plan was simple—bowl straight, attack the stumps, and deny them width. I’m happy I could contribute to our victory,” said Miyaji, who was named Player of the Match.
Captain, Riazat Ali Shah, hailed the team’s resilience, emphasizing the significance of the win. “This was a pressure game, but our bowlers stepped up in challenging conditions. Tanzania gave us a tough contest, but we stuck to basics and got the job done.”
Coach Abhay Sharma echoed similar sentiments: “It was a tight match because we didn’t get enough runs, but I always believed we could defend it. Our bowlers executed the plan perfectly, taking it five overs at a time. This victory is a lesson for us to keep working hard.”
The Cricket Cranes now shift their focus to the final leg in Tanzania, where they will look to seal qualification for the ICC 2027 World Cup Qualifier Playoff.
Match Summary
Uganda: 148/10 in 41.1 overs (R.Dhawan 63, D. Nakrani 23, F.Achelam 21; A.M Kimote 4/20)
Tanzania: 89/10 in 29.1 overs (Arshan Jasani 23, Akhil Anil 17; J. Miyaji 6/17, C.Kyewuta 2/17) Uganda won by 59 runs
