Uganda cruise to Maiden Series Over Bahrain with DLS-Assisted Victory in Decisive Match
David GOMBE
The Cricket Cranes wrapped up the historic Bahrain Tour to Uganda with a thrilling 2-1 series victory, clinching the final match by a narrow margin of three runs courtesy of the Duckworth-LewisStern (DLS) Method this evening.
The concluding game, initially planned as a 50-over match, was reduced to 30 overs per side due to overnight rains that delayed the start at the Jinja SS Oval.
Uganda’s skipper, Riazat Ali Shah, chose to bat first, setting 162 for 6, bolstered by a solid 79-run opening combo between Robinson Obuya (47 off 62) and Raghav Dhawan (38 off 57). Kenneth Waiswa added a valuable quick-fire 19 off 20, setting a competitive target for Bahrain on a challenging wicket.
Despite missing frontline bowlers Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta, Uganda’s makeshift attack, led by Dhawan and debutant Ivan Baidhu with the new ball, managed to put pressure on Bahrain’s top order.
Bahrain’s chase was powered by a 66-run partnership for the second wicket between Shahbaz Badar (44
off 59) and Junaid Aziz Mehr (18 off 36).
However, the reintroduction of ex-captain Brian Masaba (2/29) and Alpesh Ramjani (2/28) into the attack shifted momentum back to the hosts at 118 for 5.
As bad light intervened in the 24th over of Bahrain’s innings, they were left at 120 for 5—just four runs shy of the DLS score of 124 needed for victory.
The umpires subsequently called off play, awarding Uganda a three-run win by the DLS Method and cemented their 2-1 series triumph.
The tour’s success showcased promising talent on both sides, with Uganda’s Robinson Obuya named Best Batsman of the series, amassing 95 runs across three matches, and Cosmas Kyewuta awarded Best Bowler for his effective spells, claiming 4 wickets for 25 runs in two appearances.
Bahrain’s captain Haider Ali was named the series MVP for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring 67 runs and taking 3 wickets, totaling 178 points.
Match Summary – Game Three (Reduced to 30 overs)Uganda 162/6: (Robinson Obuya 47, Raghav Dhawan 38; Imran Javed 2/28, Imran Khan 2/30)
Bahrain 120/5: Revised Target: 124 in 24 (Shahbaz Badar: 44, A. Ramjani 2/28, B. Masaba: 2/29)
Uganda won by 3 runs (DLS Method)
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Player of Series: Haider Ali (Bahrain) – 178 points (67 runs & 3 wickets)
Best Batsman: Robinson Obuya (Uganda) – 97 runs in 3 matches
Best Bowler: Cosmas Kyewuta (Uganda) – 4 wickets for 25 runs in 2 matches.