Uganda continued their dominance in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B second round with a commanding 76-run victory over Hong Kong at the Kowloon Cricket Club.
The Cricket Cranes lost the toss and were asked to bat first. They subsequently posted an impressive 276 in 49.5 overs before bundling out the hosts for 200 in 46.3 overs, solidifying their position at the top of the standings with 16 points.
Uganda put up a well-structured innings, with Alpesh Ramjani leading the charge.
The all-rounder smashed 68 off 63 balls, striking five fours and four sixes at a blistering strike rate of 107.93.
He found support from Raghav Dhawan, who anchored the innings with a composed 52 off 77 deliveries.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah provided fireworks in the latter stages, scoring 40 off just 25 balls with one four and four sixes, while Robinson Obuya (25) and Shrideep Mangela (16) offered stability at the top.
Uganda’s innings, however, was not without setbacks, as Ehsan Khan (4/53) and Yasim Murtaza (3/34) kept Hong Kong in contention with crucial wickets.
Defending their total, Uganda’s bowling attack, led by Ramjani, proved too strong for Hong Kong.
The Player of the Match delivered a brilliant all-round performance, taking 4/18 in 9 overs to dismantle the hosts’ batting lineup.
Cosmus Kyewuta, Jump Miyaji and Henry Ssenyondo also chipped in with crucial wickets.
Despite a fighting half-century from Nizakat Khan, Hong Kong struggled to build partnerships as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
With this win, Uganda remains unbeaten in the tournament and inches closer to securing a spot in the ODI-rated playoffs of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Cricket Cranes now shift focus to their next encounter against Tanzania on Saturday at 4 AM EAT, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
