Roger Mukasa was handed the captaincy in the 3rd game against Indian Oil Company in the Sir. Vizzy Trophy in India.
However the NPCA XI suffered a 173 runs defeat.
The NPCA XI lost the toss and were stuck in to bat first scoring only 93 runs all out in their first innings with the Captain Roger Mukasa (13) and Charles Waiswa (5) making minimal contribution.
The IOC declared their innings on 413/7 with Waiswa sending down 7 overs for 51 runs and picking up on wicket.
The NPCA XI needed 320 runs to atleast force a draw but they were never good enough as they folded for 147 all out.
Roger Mukasa opened the batting in the second innings and was gone for zero off one ball but his counterpart Charles Waiswa hit a fighting 39.
This was the last group game for the NPCA having played 3 games earning a draw in the frsst game but suffering innings defeats in the other two.
Charles Waiswa sums up the experience;
For us it’s been the toughest experience that we have ever seen in our cricketing life.
First of all so many things to deal with;
1. The hostile weather playing under 40 degrees of heat.
2. The food was so challenging, I mean the sub-continent is known for its chilly meals that was a challenge.
3. Playing for 4 day cricket after such a long time, don’t remember when Uganda last played 4 day cricket.
4. The ultimate lesson for us that we learnt was the opposition that we ran into these are current Ranjti trophy, IPL and India A players.So much to bring back home it’s something I would have wanted the whole national team of Uganda to experience but I am optimistic that it will happen soon.
Playing against players like Deepak Hooda and Vinu Gopal Rao was the ultimate challenge. Gopal is a guy who once scored a double century chasing down a target of 500 runs against England A while playing for India A.
Then came the toughest wickets to bowl on. It really exposed us as players that we are nowhere close to this game. Guys work really hard here, it’s a different world of cricket.
The duo return to Kampala this weekend just in time to help their local league side Tornado B challenge for the title.