Uganda get first win in Sri Lanka

Uganda Cranes Tour to Sri Lanka

Results

Uganda XI 214/6 Sri Lanka Dev 206/9

(Uganda win by eight runs)

Uganda XI 131/9 Sri Lanka Dev 136/5

(Sri Lanka Dev win by five wickets)

Sri Lanka Dev 164/8 Uganda XI 145/6

(Sri Lanka Dev win by 19 runs)
 
Finally, a victory for Uganda XI against Sri Lanka Development.

Abhay Sharma has the win column ticking.

The new Cricket Cranes coach endured losses in his first two assignments as Uganda Select lost by 19 runs and five wickets respectively to Sri Lanka Development in the past seven days. Yesterday, though, brought much-needed change, Uganda XI holding on for an eight-run win after setting 214/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

It is Uganda’s first victory in Sri Lanka in ten games, going back to the seven-game tour back in February this year.

Opener Ronak Patel and all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani led Uganda with 47 runs apiece, with the latter not out off 26. Bilal Hassan went for 55 runs in four overs, but he also snatched four vital wickets. Dinesh Nakrani, who scored 10 for Uganda, took 3/24 in four overs, including the prized scalp of Sandum Weerakkody, who had exploded for 60 off 29.

Simon Ssesazi, whose lack of form has been a real concern, will be content with his 32 off 31, while Kenneth Waiswa’s 20, Roger Mukasa’s 15 and Hassan’s unbeaten 13 off three all ultimately played a huge contribution in Uganda’s memorable victory.

Uganda may be World Cup bound, but this triumph, although only against Sri Lanka’s Development side, may come to represent a significant moment. It will certainly infuse Uganda’s preparations with vital morale.