Bowler Henry Ssenyondo in action. Courtesy photo
Friday, December 6
Bermuda – 208
Uganda – 211/3 (40.1/50 ov)
*Uganda win by 7 wickets
Slow left-arm orthodox spinner Henry Ssenyondo and left hand batsman Shahzad Kamal Urkani were in starring role as Cricket Cranes blitzed Bermuda in a group B game of the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers challenge league at Al Amerat in Oman on Friday.
Ssenyondo picked four wickets as Uganda limited Bermuda to 208 all out before Shahzad Kamal’s 86 runs ignited the chase to propel Uganda to a seven wicket win with 59 balls to spare.
Uganda storm the summit as they look to move a step in their bid to improve their chances of qualifying for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Winner after three legs – ongoing in Oman, second in Kampala next year and the third in 2021 at a yet to be confirmed venue – will progress to the next round of qualification.
This is the third straight win for Uganda after beating rivals Kenya on Thursday and Jersey in the opener.
On December 9, Uganda face Italy who lost to Jersey on Friday before taking on Hong Kong on December 11.
Cricket Cranes Prove Mettle
Steven Tikolo’s troops were forced to bowl first after captain Brian Masaba lost the toss on third attempt.
Ssenyondo who missed the Migingo derby led Cranes attack with a brilliant four-wicket haul.
Ssenyondo (4-35) deviated the ball off its normal path as he sent Bermuda’s batsmen packing.
Bermuda were given hope after three half tons from Kamau Leverock (50), Tre Manders (59) and Delray Rawlins (53).
Debutant wicket-keeper Fred Achelam, who started in the position ahead of Arnold Otwani, caught Manders behind the wicket off Ssenyondo’s hurtling delivery in the second last ball of the 39th over to leave Bermuda languishing at 199-6.
Ssenyondo then managed to protrude through Bermuda’s tail end before ending their resistance in the 45th over.
Needing 209, Roger Mukasa’s frustrations were compounded when he was caught behind inside the first five overs but Shahzad revived the chase with 86 runs off 116 balls including 10 fours. Ronak Patel also hastened the victory thanks to his unbeaten total of 72 off 95 including his match winning combination with Dinesh Nakrani (13 off 10).
Uganda’s fall of wickets: 1-21 (Roger Mukasa, 4.2 ov), 2-29 (Kenneth Waiswa, 7.1 ov), 3-197 (Shahzad Ukani, 38.1 ov)
