Weather played the longest INNINGS on the final day of the Division 3 World Cricket League on Tuesday.
All games were affected by weather with game between hosts Uganda and Malaysia in Entebbe completely washed out without a ball being bowled.
The 3rd place playoff at Kyambogo between could only manage 25.2 overs with USA 95/2 before the heavens opened.
The final between Canada and Oman at Lugogo had 3 rain delays but was eventually called off by umpires at 4.30pm as time couldn’t allow for enough overs to be bowled by Canada. Canada had set 177 via the D/L method and Oman needed to get the same score in 24 overs.
The Oman batsmen had taken the attack to Canada by the time game was called off Oman was 50/2 in 4 overs, an anti climax for an eager crowd in Lugogo.
The significance of the games was mainly placement as the fate of the division was sealed on the final day of round robin games. Uganda and Malaysia dropped down to Division 4, USA and Singapore stay in Division 3 while Canada and Oman gained promotion to Division 2.
By virtue of Oman being top of the table after the round robin stage they were declared tournament winners. They continue their surge through the divisions and the World Cup is now a reality for them as they have featured in the T20 World Cup as well.
Canada’s Rizwan Cheema was in a league of his own as he won the player of the tournament award.
Uganda and Malaysia will need to regroup and get back in Division 3 while USA and Singapore will know that they are in for serious competition next time around.
Canada coached by Ugandan born Henry Osinde also gave a very good account of themselves and the sky is limit as far as they can go.
Oman were the biggest winners and the smiles on their faces can tell the whole story.
Credit to the Local Organising Committee for hosting an incident free tournament as it gives Uganda a good review for future tournaments.
Focus for UCA turns to the U19 team that will be playing in the World Cup qualifiers in early July.
