Friday, July 28
Kenya 79/10
Uganda 55/10
*Kenya won by 23 runs

Saturday, July 29
*Uganda Vs Sierra Leone

The Baby Cricket Cranes chances of qualifying for next year’s ICC U-19 World Cup diminished significantly following their disappointing loss to Kenya on Friday.

The side lost by 23 runs to their fiercest rival to hand Namibia an added advantage to qualify. Like it’s been the case throughout the tournament, Uganda were excellent with the ball, but like the story has been, they were once again dreadful with the bat.

Having won the toss and opted for the ball, Uganda restricted Kenya to 79 runs. Joseph Baguma who is the leading wicket taker (12) in this competition picked three wickets, and so did Fahad Mutagana, the captain of the team who conceded only 7 runs from his six Overs.

The chase started on a promising note. Gerald Olipa and Ronald Omara combined for a 27 in the first 15 Overs, however, when the wicket of Olipa fell in the 16th Over, it was shambles at the crease as Kenya kept picking wicket after wicket.

Aarnav Patel, the Kenyan spinner exhibited great bowling skill! The teenager who was named the best bowler in Division two last year inspired Kenya to this victory as he bagged six wickets that included the openers.

Only Omara (18) managed a score in double digits for Uganda. Brian Asaba, Anas Baig, Pius Oloka, Musa Majid and Ali Balidawa were all ducked, and Uganda got bowled out 31.2 Overs.

The result leaves Uganda second in the table standings with the slimmest of chances to qualify. Qualifying is now out of their hands, but for them to have that chance, they will need a big win against Sierra Leone who they play tomorrow and pray Namibia lose terribly to Nigeria on Sunday.

Namibia currently lead the table with 7 points, and everything points towards them booking their ticket to Sri Lanka for the World Cup next year.