Uganda’s unbeaten run in the Hong Kong Tri-Series came to an end in the final, as they suffered a 68-run defeat to hosts Hong Kong at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.
Chasing 235 for victory, the Cricket Cranes were bowled out for 166 in 42.2 overs, falling short despite a valiant effort from Dinesh Nakrani.
Hong Kong, batting first, posted 234 in 49.2 overs, thanks to a brilliant century from Anshuman Rath.
The opener anchored the innings with 107 off 129 balls, smashing 11 boundaries and two sixes.
He found support from Yasim Murtaza (31) and Aizaz Khan (32), while Uganda’s bowling attack was led by Cosmas Kyewuta (3/45) and Juma Miyagi (2/55).
Alpesh Ramjani and Henry Ssenyondo also picked up crucial wickets to restrict Hong Kong below 250.
Uganda’s chase started on the wrong foot, with top-order batters struggling against Hong Kong’s disciplined bowling.
Only Raghav Dhawan (37) and Nakrani (49) showed some resistance, but wickets fell at regular intervals.
Nasrulla Rana was the chief destroyer for Hong Kong, claiming 5/29, while Yasim Murtaza chipped in with 3/22.
Despite the loss, the Cricket Cranes will take valuable lessons from the Tri-Series as they shift focus to the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B tournament, which kicks off on February 4th.
