Uganda’s impressive streak in the ICC CWC Challenge League Group B continued on Monday with a commanding 8-wicket victory over Singapore.
This dominant performance, achieved with 56 balls to spare, follows their equally convincing 52-run win against Bahrain in the tournament opener.
The match, played at the Kowloon Cricket Club, a venue known for its batsman-friendly pitch and short boundaries, presented a unique challenge to both sides.
While the conditions often favor aggressive stroke play, Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo, effectively neutralized Singapore’s batting lineup.
Singapore managed to reach a total of just 243/9 in their allotted 50 overs after Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah won the toss and elected to field first.
Ssenyondo was the standout performer with the ball, claiming an impressive 4 wickets for 36 runs in his 9 overs. His variations and control proved crucial in stifling the Singaporean batsmen.
He received valuable support from Cosmas Kyewuta and Kenneth Waiswa, who also chipped in with vital wickets. Despite some resistance from Singaporean batsmen Aman Desai (66) and Ishaan Swaney (64), the disciplined Ugandan bowling attack ensured they never really got away.
Chasing 244 for victory, Uganda’s top-order batsmen displayed a blend of controlled aggression and patience.
Raghav Dhawan, fresh off his Player of the Match performance against Bahrain (where he scored 84), once again anchored the chase with an unbeaten 71 off 66 balls.
His innings was a masterclass in pacing and shot selection. Dhawan’s second consecutive Player of the Match performance solidified his status as a key player for Uganda.
Dhawan found an able partner in Alpesh Ramjani, who also remained unbeaten, scoring a crucial 67 off 61 balls.
Together, they forged an unbroken 121-run partnership, guiding Uganda to a comfortable 245/2 in just 40.4 overs. The pair’s ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries ensured that Uganda remained in control throughout the chase.
Craig Williams, Uganda’s High Performance Consultant, praised the team’s adaptability.
“Playing on a ground with such short boundaries, the bowlers showed tremendous discipline, and our batsmen paced the chase perfectly. We’re building momentum for the matches ahead,” he commented.
Ssenyondo, reflecting on his impressive performance, expressed his satisfaction at being included in the squad and his confidence in his abilities.
“I’m happy to be drafted into the team and to contribute right away. I always believe in my abilities to deliver on any ground because I know I am the team’s best bowler. I always want to step up,” he said.
This victory propels Uganda to the top of the league table with 13 points.
They now look ahead to their next challenge against Italy on Wednesday, February 12th at 4:00 AM EAT at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
Uganda’s ultimate goal is to progress to the ODI-rated playoffs of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, and their current form suggests they are well on their way.
