Kenneth Waiswa produced a four-wicket masterclass as Uganda’s Cricket Cranes defeated Lesotho by 5 wickets to keep up their excellent begin to the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja, Nigeria.
Uganda restricted Lesotho to only 87 all out in 19.3 overs earlier than chasing down the modest goal with 45 balls to spare, reaching 89/5 in 12.3 overs on the NCF Oval 2 on Wednesday.
Lesotho gained the toss and elected to bat however struggled to construct significant partnerships towards a disciplined Ugandan bowling assault.
Waiswa was the standout performer with the ball, returning spectacular figures of 4/18 from his 4 overs as Uganda saved their opponents below stress.
Enock Kasaija supplied beneficial help with 2/12 from 3.3 overs, whereas captain Riazat Ali Shah additionally chipped in as Lesotho have been bowled out inside their allotted 20 overs.
Maaz Khan provided the strongest resistance for Lesotho with 38 off 32 deliveries, whereas Lerotholi Gabriel contributed 14 from 11 balls. The remainder of the batting order struggled to make a big impression as Uganda saved the scoring fee below management.
The Cricket Cranes’ chase, nevertheless, bought off to the worst doable begin when Robinson Obuya was trapped leg earlier than wicket by Ts’episo Chaoana from the primary supply of the innings.
Raghav Dhawan adopted for 10, however skipper Riazat Ali Shah responded aggressively with 26 off simply 15 balls, hanging three sixes and a boundary.
Gerald Olipa, recent from his match-winning 82 towards Zambia in Uganda’s opening recreation, maintained his good type with a fast 20 from 11 deliveries.
Lesotho briefly threatened to make the competition fascinating as Chaoana claimed three wickets for under 13 runs from his 4 overs, whereas Uganda slipped to 64/5 after the dismissal of Waiswa.
Sumeet Verma and Alpesh Ramjani ensured there could be no additional drama.
Verma remained unbeaten on 20 from 22 deliveries, whereas Ramjani added an unbeaten 11 as Uganda crossed the ending line at 89/5 after 12.3 overs.
The victory was Uganda’s second in as many matches on the event following Tuesday’s emphatic 87-run conquer Zambia.
Uganda had posted 195/6 towards Zambia earlier than dismissing their opponents for 108, with Olipa starring with a blistering 82 off 42 balls.
The Cricket Cranes are chasing one of many two obtainable qualification locations for the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Remaining in 2027.
Six nations — Uganda, hosts Nigeria, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique and The Gambia — are competing within the single round-robin event, with solely the highest two progressing to the following stage of qualification for the 2028 ICC Males’s T20 World Cup.
Uganda will return to motion on Friday, October 23, after they face The Gambia at NCF Oval 2 in Abuja.
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