Following a disappointing start at the ongoing ICC Challenge League B, Uganda finally got off the mark.
The hosts who lost their opening two games eased past bottom side Bermuda as they secured their first second-round victory that came in form of an eight-wicket win on Tuesday at the Lugogo cricket oval
Siblings Simon Ssesazi and Henry Ssenyondo were head and shoulders above the rest as they combined to earn Uganda their first win in the tournament, and the sixth overall.
The Cricket Cranes’ opening batsman posted half a century (including seven 4s and two sixes) from 54 balls, while the left-arm orthodox spinner conceded only 16 runs from his bowled eight Overs.
Added to that, the spinner bowled five maidens and was also responsible for plucking a solitary wicket as the Cricket Cranes ensured victory was picked inside the 18th over.
While the win came against a rather weak Bermuda side that hasn’t won a single game in the competition, it is one that the hosts welcome with both hands.
It is one that’s expected to instill belief and confidence in the team ahead of their two crunch ties against Italy and regional rivals Kenya on Friday and Sunday respectively.
That Victory has Uganda reclaim the top spot in the group, but on a tentative basis as Hong Kong who have played a game less, get back in action on Thursday against Bermuda.
Jersey made sure pressure is exacted upon the top two sides following their 88-run win over Italy. That win sets the stage for them ahead of their game against Hong Kong on Friday.
Uganda and Jersey take a two-day break but return to action on Friday at the Kyambogo and Lugogo cricket ovals respectively.
Hong Kong on the other hand take on Bermuda on Thursday, a game they’re expected to win comfortably.
If Hong Kong does as everyone expects, they will go back atop on 13points. Uganda will stay second with 12 points while Jersey will remain 3rd with 10 points.
Kenya’s encounter with Italy on Thursday will determine who goes fourth as both sides are locked on five points.
The Challenge League B is a qualifying pathway for next year’s World Cup. The 3rd round will be played in Jersey starting 10 July and 28 August. The team that finishes top will advance to the next stage of the qualifiers.
