Cricket Cranes Beat Zambia in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Opener
David GOMBE
Uganda began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign with an 87-run victory over Zambia on Tuesday, powered by Gerald Olipa’s explosive 82 and a disciplined collective effort with the ball.
The Cricket Cranes posted 195 for six in their 20 overs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium before dismissing Zambia for 108 in 17.3 overs. Uganda now turn their attention to Lesotho, whom they face tomorrow, Wednesday at 11:30am EAT at NCF Oval 2.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Uganda lost Robinson Obuya for one in the opening over. Raghav Dhawan contributed 23 off 16 balls before falling at 45 for two, while captain Riazat Ali Shah struck 38 off 20 deliveries, including five fours and a six.
Sumeet Verma added 21 off 20 balls, but Uganda needed a substantial innings from Olipa to establish a commanding total.
The young right-hander delivered with 82 off 42 balls, striking five fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 195.23. Dropped on 55, Olipa made Zambia pay before being bowled by Ismail Kara in the 19th over.
Alpesh Ramjani made 10, while Juma Miyaji provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 11 off three balls. Kenneth Waiswa finished unbeaten on three as Uganda reached 195 for six.
Zambia struggled to build a sustained chase despite contributions from Joyeb Chand, who made 38 off 28 balls, and Jakir Patel, who scored 23 off 23.
Miyaji, marking his 50th T20 International appearance, returned figures of three wickets for 17 runs from three overs. Off spinner Joseph Baguma claimed four wickets for 44 runs, left-armer Alpesh Ramjani took two for 13 from four overs, and Enock Kasaija finished with one for 16 in 3.3 overs.
Zambia were dismissed for 108 in 17.3 overs, giving Uganda a winning margin of 87 runs.
The Cricket Cranes will nevertheless look to improve their discipline after conceding 13 wides. Zambia also scored 66 runs in boundaries, underlining the need for tighter bowling as the tournament progresses.
Uganda face Lesotho on tomorrow – Wednesday at 11:30am EAT at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, NCF Oval 2, Abuja, seeking a second consecutive victory.
The Cricket Cranes are aiming to finish among the top two teams in the six-nation qualifier and advance to the Africa Regional Final on the road to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.