Entebbe, Uganda | July 18, 2025 – Uganda’s senior men’s national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, started their Pearl of Africa T20 Series campaign in commanding fashion, registering a resounding 77-run victory (DLS Method) over Nigeria at the lakeside oval in Entebbe.
Match Summary – Game 1
Uganda: 180/4 in 20 overs
Nigeria: 85/5 in 18 overs (Revised Target: 163)
Result: Uganda won by 77 runs (DLS Method)
Player of the Match: Robinson Obuya – 58* (39), 3 fours, 2 sixes
Next Match: Uganda vs. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Saturday July 19, 1:30 PM, Entebbe
The Cricket Cranes, ranked 22nd globally, showed little rust. Openers Raghav Dhawan (33 off 21) and Shrideep Mangela (33 off 27) provided early impetus after the quick dismissal of Ronald Lutaaya (9 off 8), powering Uganda to 59/1 by the end of the powerplay.
Mangela fell to a run-out mix-up with Robinson Obuya, but the latter anchored the innings superbly. Obuya compiled an unbeaten 58 off 39 balls, peppered with three boundaries and two towering sixes, deservedly earning the Player of the Match accolade. Wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru added a lively 26 off 18, while Dinesh Nakrani provided the finishing touches with 13 off 7 as Uganda posted an imposing 180/4 in 20 overs.
In reply, Nigeria’s Yellow Greens struggled for fluency. Although they preserved wickets early on, their scoring stalled to 61/4 in 14.1 overs when rain intervened, reducing their innings to 18 overs with a revised target of 163. Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the result was never in doubt. Debutant Mathew Musinguzi impressed with figures of 2/16 in 3 overs, while Juma Miyaji (1/12 in 3), on his captaincy debut, and Alpesh Ramjani (1/13 in 4) tightened the noose further. Nigeria finished on 85/5, with Isaac Danladi (26 off 44) and Selim Salau (24 off 30) top-scoring.
Uganda’s coaches Abhay Sharma and Jackson Ogwang lauded the disciplined team effort but emphasised the need for sharper execution as they prepare to face pre-tournament favourites UAE tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 PM. “UAE are ranked eight places above us, so we must remain focused and keep improving every facet of our game.
This series is a crucial build-up for the Qualifier in Zimbabwe later this year,” said Ogwang.
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