ICC CWC Challenge League B: Nakrani stars as Uganda triumphs against Singapore in opener
David GOMBE
ICC CWC Challenge League B – Match 1
Singapore: 82/10 in 38.4 overs; Aritra Dutta 26, Aman Desai 19; Dinesh Nakrani 6/20 Juma Miyaji 2/20
Uganda: 86/3 in 17.5 overs; Kenneth Waiswa 26*, Riazat Ali Shah 24*, Robinson Obuya 19
Result: Uganda won by 7 wickets (193 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Dinesh Nakrani (6 wickets for 20 runs)
Uganda launched their ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B campaign on a high note, securing a dominant 7-wicket victory over Singapore in the tournament opener held at Entebbe Oval.
Despite challenges posed by inclement weather in the lead-up to the tournament, Uganda showcased resilience, powered by an exceptional bowling display from Dinesh Nakrani, who clinched six wickets to set the tone for the hosts.
After Singapore elected to bat first, they struggled to build momentum against Uganda’s precise bowling attack.
Nakrani’s outstanding 6 for 20 in 9.4 overs,backed by Juma Miyaji’s disciplined 2 for 20, restricted Singapore to a modest total of 82 in 38.4 overs.
Left-arm spinners Alpesh Ramjani and Henry Ssenyondo applied additional pressure, bowling economically to stymie Singapore’s progress.
In response, Uganda chased down the target in 17.5 overs, though not without early setbacks.
After losing two quick wickets with the score at 23 for 2, skipper Riazat Ali Shah (24*) and Kenneth Waiswa (26*)steadied the innings with a composed 45-run partnership, sealing the victory with 193 balls to spare.
Uganda will take a two-day rest before facing Tanzania in their next match at Lugogo Oval on Saturday, November 9.
Tomorrow’s fixtures feature Hong Kong against Bahrain at Lugogo Oval, and Italy facing Tanzania at Entebbe Oval, both starting at 10am.
“We were well-prepared in our bowling, though we could be sharper with the bat,” said Uganda’s head coach, Abhay Sharma. “We’ll take it one game at a time and keep building on this strong start.”
Upcoming Fixtures – November 7, 2024
Hong Kong vs Bahrain, Lugogo Oval, 10am
Italy vs Tanzania, Entebbe Oval, 10am