Saturday, January 15
Ireland – 236/9
Uganda 197 (48.1/50 ov)
*Ireland win by 39 runs
Uganda lost their opening Group B match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup against Ireland by 39 runs at the Everest ground, Georgetown in Guyana.
The Baby Cricket Cranes sent in Ireland to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that looked to be working after they picked four wickets before Ireland crossed the 100-mark.
Despite efforts from Joshua Baguma (2-34) and Mathew Musinguzi (2-35), Joshua Cox hit an unbeaten 111 off 113 runs to help Ireland set a lofty 236.
Uganda’s chase got off to a worse start after Ronald Lutaya and Ronald Opiyo gave away their wickets inside the second over to leave the side reeling at 12/2.
Captain Pascal Murungi led from the front and revived the chase before he was taken out with 63.
Juma Miyaji busted at number nine with a quick 38 before he was bowled by Muzamil Shazad who later eliminated Mathew Musinguzi to put an end to Uganda’s spirited display.
Mathew Humphreys’ 4-25 proved handful for Uganda who were making a third return to the global show piece after previous appearances in 2004 (Bangladesh) and 2006 (Sri Lanka).
Uganda, here after winning the ICC U19 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifiers last year in Rwanda, will hope to cause an upset in the two remaining Group B games:
*January 17th, 2022: Uganda vs. South Africa, Queens Park Oval – Trinidad Tobago
*January 22th, 2022: Uganda vs. India, Brian Lara Cricket Ground – Trinidad Tobago
