By Grace Kemigisa
Match Day 6 of the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B saw Uganda achieve a thrilling 24-run victory over Italy, reinforcing their unbeaten streak as they aim for ODI status in the pathway event for the 2027 World Cup. The day’s matches offered intense action and weather disruptions, with a rain-affected game between Tanzania and Singapore resulting in a No-Result at the Lugogo Oval.
Thriller in Entebbe
Uganda’s clash with Italy at Entebbe Oval enjoyed uninterrupted play under sunny skies. Winning the toss, Uganda elected to bat first, setting a competitive target of 254/9 in their allotted 50 overs thanks to middle-order batters Dinesh Nakrani (58 off 47), skipper Riazat Ali Shah (57 off 55), and opener Raghav Dhawan (46 off 73) as Grant Stewart (3/41) and Gareth Berg (2/36) starred with the ball.
Italy began their chase strongly, with openers Joe Burns (82) and Nico Emilio Gay (50) producing an impressive 115-run partnership in just 17.3 overs. However, Uganda’s bowling depth came through as left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo turned the game in Uganda’s favour. Ssenyondo’s skillful spell dismantled Italy’s batting lineup, leaving them all out for 230 in 49.3 overs. Uganda clinched the victory by 24 runs, with Ssenyondo finishing with figures of 4/28 and Alpesh Ramjani contributing with 5/69.
Weather Impact in Lugogo
Meanwhile, the scheduled match between Tanzania and Singapore at Lugogo Oval faced challenges from overnight showers that left the field waterlogged. Despite efforts to dry the field, the game was limited to 21 overs per side. Tanzania batted first with opener Ivan Ismail Selemani reaching 50 before the rains returned, washing out play at 100 for 3 after 14 overs. Both teams took a point apiece.
With two matches left, Uganda is atop the table with seven points, followed by Italy and Hong Kong-China with five points each. With three points, Bahrain could still rise with strong performances, while Tanzania and Singapore need wins to stay competitive. Uganda’s unbeaten run gives them an edge, but Italy and Hong Kong remain in striking distance
ICC CWC Challenge League B - Results, Match Day 6
Uganda 254/9 in 50 overs Italy 230/10 in 49.3 overs (Uganda won by 24 runs)
Tanzania 100/3 in 14 overs Singapore 0/0 in 0 overs (No Result Due To Inclement Weather)
Next Fixtures – November 15, 2024 – 10 am
Bahrain vs. Tanzania – Lugogo
Singapore vs Hong Kong – Entebbe
