By Grace Kemigisa
The curtain came down on the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B Round One with thrilling performances on Match Day 8. Hosts Uganda completed an impressive unbeaten run by defeating Bahrain by 166 runs, while Italy emphatically ended their campaign, cruising to an 8-wicket win over Singapore in just 15.4 overs.
At the scenic Entebbe Lakeside Oval, Uganda opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted a competitive 267/8 in 50 overs. The standout performances came from opener Shrideep Mangela, who retired hurt after scoring his maiden List A century (102 off 128 balls), and all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani, who hammered an unbeaten 76 off 47 balls. Bahrain’s bowlers Ali Dawood (2/41) and Sohail Ahmed (2/47) provided notable resistance.
In response, Uganda’s bowlers dominated, dismissing Bahrain for 101 in 40.5 overs. Left-arm spinners Alpesh Ramjani (3/13), Henry Ssenyondo (3/31), and class veteran Frank Nsubuga (2/22) were pivotal. Captain Haider Ali Butt (50 not out) offered some resistance for Bahrain, but Uganda’s comprehensive show sealed the win. Shrideep Mangela was named Player of the Match for his stellar batting display.
Meanwhile, at the Lugogo, Italy delivered a clinical performance against Singapore. After electing to bat, Singapore struggled against Italy’s disciplined bowling attack, managing only 118 runs in 27.2 overs. Rakibul Hasan starred with figures of 5/38, supported by Crishan Kalugamage (3/21). Italy easily chased the target, reaching 120/2 in just 15.4 overs. Emilio Gay’s unbeaten 66 off 45 balls led the charge, earning him Player of the Match honours.
With Round One over, Uganda leads the table with 9 points, followed by Italy and Hong Kong-China, each with 7 points. Bahrain (5 points), Tanzania, and Singapore (1 point each) complete the standings.
Individual highlights included Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah leading the batting charts with 276 runs and left-arm spinner Ssenyondo finishing second on the bowling stats with 11 wickets. Hong Kong- China’s Yasim Murtaza was the tournament’s standout performer with 13 wickets, 96 runs and two fielding dismissals for 457 points.
As Uganda passes the baton to Hong Kong, China, for Round Two, the tournament's success—despite three weather-affected games—showcased the nation’s passion for cricket.
ICC CWC Challenge League B - Results, Match Day 6
Uganda 267/8 in 50 overs Bahrain 101/10 in 40.5 overs (Uganda won by 166 runs)
Singapore 118/10 in 27.2 overs Italy 120/2 in 15.4 overs (Italy won by 8 wickets & 206 balls to spare)
