Kowloon CC, Jordan City – February 13. Uganda delivered a commanding performance to overpower hosts Hong Kong-China by 76 runs in a thrilling contest at the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B today. This high-stakes match saw Uganda consolidate their position at the top of the standings with 16 points, four clear of their closest rivals, Italy, and the hosts.
Despite coming into the clash after their table-topping encounter against Italy was washed out, Uganda displayed tactical brilliance to outclass Hong Kong-China in all three departments.
Batting first, Uganda set a formidable total of 276 all out in 49.5 overs. Star all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani led the charge with a blistering 68 off 54 balls, well-supported by Raghav Dhawan (52 off 77) and skipper Riazat Ali Shah (40 off 25). Hong Kong-China’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Ehsan Khan (4/53 in 10 overs) and Yasim Murtaza (3/34 in 8.5 overs), tried to keep Uganda in check, but aggressive batting ensured a competitive total.
In response, Hong Kong-China struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for 200 in 46.3 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Zeeshan Ali (51 off 64) and Murtaza (50 off 67) showed some resistance, but Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Player of the Match Ramjani (4/18 in 9 overs), Cosmas Kyewuta (2/43 in 8.3), and Juma Miyaji (2/54 in 9), proved too strong for the hosts.
Post-Match Reactions
Uganda Head Coach, Abhay Sharma:
“We played a perfect game, the best we have done this tournament in all three departments. The openers fought hard in the first hour after we lost the toss. Scoring 277 was always going to be a good target given the conditions. There is no celebration yet—our job is not finished, and we must focus on our next match against Tanzania.”Player of the Match, Alpesh Ramjani:
"We are at a very critical stage in this tournament. My role was to contribute with both bat and ball, and I’m happy I delivered. But credit goes to the whole team for sticking to the plan and executing under pressure. We shall stay focused for the next challenge."
Uganda will now set their sights on their next fixture against Tanzania, where another win would further cement their dominance in the tournament and fuel their dream of staying on track of playing some One Day Internationals (ODIs) on their qualification pathway to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup that will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Match Summary:
Uganda: 276/10 in 49.5 overs (Alpesh Ramjani (68), Raghav Dhawan 52, Riazat Ali Shah 40, Robinson Obuya 25; Ehsan Khan 4/53, Yasim Murtaza 3/34)
Hong Kong-China: 200/10 in 46.3 overs (Zeeshan Ali 5, Yasim Murtaza 50; Alpesh Ramjani 4/18, Cosmas Kyewuta 2/43, Juma Miyaji 2/54, Henry Ssenyondo 1/25)
Uganda won by 76 runs.
Next Uganda Match – Saturday, February 15 – 4 am (EAT)
Tanzania vs. Uganda, Tin Kwong Recreation Road Ground (TKRRG)
