Match Summary
- Uganda XI: 221 all out in 45.5 overs (Dinesh Nakrani 51, Simon Ssesazi 49, Raghav Dhawan 29, Alpesh Ramjani 27; Satyam Chaudhary 5/52)
- MCA Colts XI: 166 all out in 36.4 overs (Naman Jhawar 65, Pranav Kela 54; Alpesh Ramjani 4/40, Henry Ssenyondo 2/32, Joseph Baguma 2/38, Cosmas Kyewuta 2/28)
- Result: Uganda XI won by 55 runs
Uganda’s Cricket Cranes got off to a great start on their training tour of Mumbai with a commanding 55-run win against MCA Colts XI.
In a game that was dominated by spin bowlers, the visitors passed their first test with flying colours.
The Cricket Cranes won the toss and elected to bat first. Simon Ssesazi (49) and Raghav Dhawan (29) put on an opening stand of 73 before the departure of the latter.
Ssesazi missed out on a well-deserved half-century in a format that complements his style. If he continues his good form, he might make the position his own alongside Raghav Dhawan, who has owned the other slot for the last two years.
Despite failures for youngsters Anas Baig (8) and Gerald Olipa (0), the consolidation came from Dinesh Nakrani (51), Alpesh Ramjani (27), Joseph Baguma (24) and Fred Achellam (16), who made sure they got past the 200 run mark.
Nakrani showed his value in the middle order, especially against spin. He has the power and skill to take down spin in a commanding manner.
The score could have been more than 221 if the last four wickets had not fallen for only 8 runs.
In the run chase, the visitors struck early through Cosmas Kyewuta, who picked an early wicket, but the hosts then put the hammer down and consolidated the chase.
The spin trio of Alpesh Ramjani (4/40), Henry Ssenyondo (2/32), and Joseph Baguma (2/38) combined for a team haul of eight wickets to complete a commanding win for the Cricket Cranes.
The Cricket Cranes were very disciplined with ball in hand, with only four extras conceded inside 37 overs.
It was a great start for the Cricket Cranes on a tour that will test them on and off the field. Cricket is a religion in India, and one loss will mean that Mumbai brings stronger opposition in the second tour match.
Coach Steve Tikolo will also have the task of making sure everyone on the tour gets an opportunity to get a game, so that there is a fair opportunity for the entire squad.
