ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA FINAL
Game 3 – Result Summary
Zimbabwe 136 for 7 in 20 overs
Sikandar Raza 48 off 39
Innocent Kaia 23 off 23
Sean Williams 21 off 24
Dinesh Nakrani 3 for 14
Henry Ssenyondo 2 for 25
Uganda 138 for 8 in 19.1 overs
Riazat Ali Shah 42 off 28
Alpesh Ramjani 40 off 26
Roger Mukasa 23 off 33
Richard Ngarava 2 for 24
Sean Williams 1 for 14
Uganda won by 5 wickets (with 5 balls to spare)
Fixtures – Tomorrow
Namibia vs. Kenya 10.30am, United
Rwanda vs. Zimbabwe 10.30am, Wanderers
Uganda vs. Nigeria 3.30pm, United
In the heart of the Namibian capital Windhoek, the Cricket Cranes, Uganda's senior men's national cricket team, set out on a historic journey. Their dream? To snatch one of two spots at stake to qualify for the 2023 T20 Cricket World Cup in the USA and West Indies.
This dream is starting to look like a reality after they faced off against Zimbabwe, a Test-playing side, and emerged victorious earlier today – November 26.
The setting was the Cricket Cranes’ third game of the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup Africa Final. Zimbabwe posted a challenging total of 136 for 7 in their 20 overs. Sikandar Raza led the charge with an impressive 48 off 39, supported by Innocent Kaia's 23 off 23 and Sean Williams' 21 off 24. However, Uganda's bowlers were up to the task, with Dinesh Nakrani taking 3 for 14 and Henry Ssenyondo claiming 2 for 25. Captain Brian Masaba’s three overs went for only nine runs!
Proper chase
As the Cricket Cranes took to the field for the chase, they were resolute as Uganda's innings unfolded with precision. Riazat Ali Shah shone with a match-winning 42 off 28, while Alpesh Ramjani contributed a crucial 40 off 26. Former captain Roger Mukasa played a pivotal role with 23 off 33 and power-hitter Dinesh Nakrani (14*) and Kenneth Waiswa (1*) sealed the victory. Zimbabwe's Richard Ngarava managed to take 2 for 24, but it wasn't enough to stop the determined Ugandan side.
Sean Williams chipped in with a wicket, taking 1 for 14. In the end, Uganda achieved the target, scoring 138 for 5 in 19.1 overs, winning by 5 wickets with 5 balls to spare. The scenes at Trustco United Cricket Ground were electrifying. Ugandan fans sang songs of joy all innings long. However, the celebrations in the Uganda dugout were tempered, marked by a few high fives and warm embraces.
Captain Brian Masaba, reflecting on the historic win, expressed; “We find ourselves in a place where we only dreamed of. This is obviously a historic win. We had never beaten a Test nation, and for us to achieve it now keeps our dream of going to the World Cup alive."
Forging forward
As the team basked in the glory of their achievement, attention turned to the upcoming challenges. Brian Masaba's leadership will be crucial as Uganda aims for three successive victories against West Africans Nigeria and East African brothers; Kenya, and Rwanda.
The perfect Sunday began with Masaba winning the toss and choosing to field against Zimbabwe. Uganda's bowlers made significant inroads, limiting the Chevrons to 87 for 5 in 15 overs at one stage. Uganda's chase was calculated and focused.
The reward for this triumph? A date with Steve Tikolo’s Nigerians at the same venue – Trustco United – tomorrow afternoon. The Cricket Cranes, meanwhile, salute all the travelling fans and Ugandan community in Namibia for their unwavering support throughout this extraordinary journey thus far.