By Daniel Nyeko
Uganda’s Cricket Cranes wrapped up their ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers campaign with a convincing 66-run victory over Nigeria’s Yellow Greens, finishing fifth overall at the Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Uganda put up a commanding total of 196 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Riazat Ali Shah led from the front with an explosive unbeaten 66 off 30 balls, while Sumeet Verma and Tomar Gaurav each contributed 33 runs.
Nigeria’s Sylvester Okpe tried to keep the Ugandan batting in check with two wickets, while Prosper Useni, Isaac Okpe, and Ridwan Abdulkareem took one apiece.
In reply, Nigeria’s chase never truly gathered pace, managing 130 for 7 by the end of their innings. Uganda’s bowlers maintained a tight line throughout, denying the Nigerian batsmen any real momentum. Okpe again stood out for Nigeria with an unbeaten 29 off 27 balls, while Isaac Danladi (17 off 14) and Sulaimon Runsewe (16 off 13) offered brief resistance.
Spinner Henry Ssenyondo was the standout for Uganda with figures of 3 for 12 from his four overs at an economy rate of just 3.00. All-rounder Alpesh Ramjani added 2 for 17, with Juma Miyagi (1/24) and Dinesh Nakrani (1/31) also chipping in.
Speaking after the match, Uganda’s head coach Abhay Sharma admitted the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, but lauded his side’s bowling performance. “These are the games that test character,” Sharma said. “The bowlers executed their lengths much better today, and that made the difference.”
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang Oyuku echoed his sentiments, noting that the win would help rebuild confidence. “This victory restores some of our pride and gives us momentum heading home,” he said.
Uganda Cricket Association will now shift focus toward preparations for the next qualification cycle, targeting a spot at the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup in New Zealand.
