PEPSI ICC AFRICA DIVISION I T20’S
Nigeria 86/8 Uganda 87/3
Like it was in the last three of the four friendly ties, team Nigeria were still on the losing end against Uganda in the afternoon Pepsi ICC Africa Division I T20 tourney Saturday fixture at Lugogo.
The West Africans suffered a seven wicket loss in their first Africa T20 Premier League (APL) tie.
“We tried and did our best. Our batsmen rushed which brought us problems,” said Nigeria coach Clive Ogbimi moments after the loss.
“All in all, Uganda did well but we’ll come better when we face off again.” he told Kawowo Sports.
Having won the toss, captain Kunle Adegbola won the toss and Nigeria finished 86-8 after batting all the overs. That score was quite a manageable total for coach Martin Suji’s boys courtesy of a harmful bowling from the Ugandans..
Only batsman no. six Bejide Jide (34 off 40 deliveries) had put some resistance which had two fours and a six as wickets fell.
Jide was bowled out by opening bowler Charles Waiswa (1/13)
Skipper Davis Karashani got figures of 4/5 and two maidens from four overs while Henry Senyondo picked 3/14.
Uganda’s opening pair of Roger Mukasa and Arthur Kyobe stroked 41 runs before it collapsed after only 4.1 overs.
Mukasa was caught behind by Endurance Ofem off Chimezie Onwuzulike (1/11). He was replaced by Lawrence Ssematimba who went to score an unbeaten 18 runs off 27.
But soon within a space of six balls, Kyobe followed Mukasa to the dugout after he was caught by Osita Onwuzilike off Sesan Adeyeji (1/15).
That brought Deusdedit Muhumuza to the fulcrum. He (23/14) partnered with Ssematimba to 76 runs before he was caught by Ofem off Osita (1/5) at 10.2.
Then, Uganda only needed 11 runs from 9.2 overs. Mission was complete at 12.1 with Jonathan Sebanja (6) and Ssematimba in control.
“This is a good start. Two in two hence we are on the right course.” Muhumuza said. That was Uganda’s second win in two games having beaten rivals Kenya by 30 runs at Kyambogo oval in the morning.