Cricket Cranes bounce back with convincing win over Botswana

ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier

Result

Uganda 85/2 overs 12.4

Botswana 81/6 overs 20.0

Uganda beat Botswana by 8 wickets

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes restored a measure of pride with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Botswana, following a rocky start to their ICC T20 World Cup campaign marked by two consecutive losses.

After winning the toss, Uganda elected to field and delivered a disciplined bowling performance, restricting Botswana to 81/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah led from the front with two wickets in two overs, while Dinesh Nakrani also claimed two scalps.

Spinner Henry Ssenyondo chipped in with one wicket, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.0 across four overs. It was a marked improvement from Uganda’s earlier outings—though expected against a less formidable Botswana side.

In response, Uganda’s chase was anchored by Raghav Dhawan, who remained unbeaten with a composed 54 runs off 45 balls. The innings began shakily, with opener Ronald Lutaya run out without facing a delivery and Robinson Obuya dismissed for a golden duck. But Sumeet Verma (29) joined Dhawan at the crease and steadied the innings, guiding Uganda to victory in just 12.4 overs.

The win injects some momentum into Uganda’s campaign, offering a much-needed boost after a difficult start to the tournament.