The Uganda men’s cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, secured a 42-run victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Sunday, to level their bilateral series 2-2 at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
This hard-fought win marks a commendable comeback for Uganda, who had initially fallen behind 0-2 in the PNG Tour of Uganda series.
Uganda posted a modest 164 all out in 48 overs, with Robinson Obuya’s 38 leading the charge.
Despite a shaky start, contributions from Raghav Dawan (27) and former U-19 captain Pascal Murungi (31) gave Uganda a fighting chance.
PNG, who chasing 165 for victory, crumbled under pressure, managing just 122 runs before being bowled out in 44.3 overs.
Uganda’s bowling attack, spearheaded by medium pacer Dinesh Nakrani and supported by spinner Juma Miyaji, proved too strong for PNG.
Nakrani took four wickets, including the crucial dismissal of PNG captain Assad Vala, while Miyaji, returning from injury, claimed three.
Vala’s efforts with the bat were commendable, scoring 52, but his team’s resistance faded after his departure.
The series began with PNG winning the first two matches, but saw Uganda make a remarkable comeback.
The Cricket Cranes found their form on Saturday, taking a 43-run win in the third match before sealing the series in the final game.
Both teams are now turning their attention to the Challenge League, and Uganda is set to compete in League B alongside Singapore, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Italy, and Tanzania.
PNG will face Kuwait, Denmark, Jersey, Qatar, and Kenya in League A. Both sides will be aiming to carry their form into the next phase of World Cup qualification.
