Had Uganda lost to Italy on Monday, that would have been their third defeat in as many Group A matches of the on-going ICC Global Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers.
But with looming pressure of an early exit from the tough road to Bangladesh, coach Johan Rudolph’s charges put up a spirited one-wicket victory with a ball to spare to claim their first win away in UAE.
Heading into Tuesday’s encounter against a winless Canada that poses two former national team players in Kenneth Kamyuka and Henry Osinde, Uganda can move to four points if they exhibit much better batting and bowling fluency.
Richard Okia orchestrated the victory that re-ignited hopes of a faded after prior losses to the hosts and Hong Kong last week.
The 30-year-old lanky batsman struck a straight four to side screen to relieve his side’s dugout and home fans’ pressure that took Uganda past Italy’s 148-4 score to finish on 151-9.
His final figures of 33 off 30 earned him a unanimous man-of-match accolade. That impressive late order performance, supplemented with Charles Waiswa’s 21 off 15 and Arthur Kyobe’s five sixes in his 15-ball 36 quick knock, were enough to break the deadlock.
But there were scares in the top and middle orders as Italian bowlers Sandri and Pennazza had proved elusive. Such exposure must be addressed when Uganda takes on a hungry Canada side that narrowly lost to Italy, USA and Hong Kong.
Bowlers in Karashani, Frank Nsubuga, Waiswa and Patrick Ochan must ooze some rare class in order to seize a second win a row. For the batsmen, the top order needs to tackle down the problem of losing an early wicket. If one were in Karashani’s shoes at the Abu Dhabi Oval 1, I would elect to field to allow the batsmen relax as they look to be more focused when the side is chasing. This was evident against Italy.
Today – Full fixtures
Uganda vs. Canada (2pm, Abu Dhabi Oval 1)
Kenya vs. Scotland (Dubai CA) UAE vs. Hong Kong (2pm, Sheikh Zayed Stadium)
Nepal vs. PNG (2pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium)
Monday’s results
Italy 148/4 Uganda 151/9
Denmark 84/8 Kenya 85/2
Hong Kong 168/5 Canada 115/8
Nepal 137/7 Scotland 138/2