UGANDA’S TOUR OF NAMIBIA
2nd 50-Over Match (35 overs per side) – Results Summary
Namibia Eagles 159 all out (30 overs)
G. Erasmus 44, M. Kruger 41, WP. Myburgh 20; J. Baguma 4/42, B. Hassun 2/17
Uganda 53/4 (19 overs)
G. Olipa 17, S. Ssesazi 11, K. Waiswa 10*; J. Brassell 3/8, R. Trumpelmann 1/5
Match Abandoned
(Namibia win 50-over series 1-0; overall tour 3-1)
Windhoek, March 25, 2026: The Cricket Cranes produced a spirited all-round performance before rain denied them a shot at redemption, as the final match of the Tour against Namibia was abandoned at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek this evening.
After a difficult tour, Uganda showed clear signs of growth, particularly with the ball, restricting Namibia to 159 all out in a rain-shortened 35-over contest.
Slow start, strong control
Following a delayed start due to overnight rains, Uganda were asked to bowl first after losing the toss.
Despite dropping an early chance, the Cranes responded with discipline. Captain Riazat Ali Shah led from the front, effecting a run-out before dismissing Jan Frylinck to leave Namibia at 40/2 in 10 overs.
Although Gerhard Erasmus (44) and Malan Kruger (41) attempted to rebuild, Uganda’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout.
Baguma brilliance
Spinner Joseph Baguma delivered a match-defining spell of 4/42, slicing through Namibia’s middle order, while Bilal Hassun (2/17) applied reverse swing mastery at the death.
Crucially, Uganda’s discipline stood out—conceding just one extra – a leg bye – compared to 27 in the previous match. Namibia were bowled out for 159 in 30 overs.
Fight with the bat
Uganda’s chase, however, was marred by early controversy as Robinson Obuya was adjudged caught behind off the first ball in a contentious decision.
Gerald Olipa (17) and Simon Ssesazi (11) attempted to steady the innings before further setbacks left Uganda at 35/4. Olipa, too, was a victim of a contentious call.
Kenneth Waiswa and Anas Baig then began rebuilding cautiously before rain forced players off the field at 53 for 4 in 19 overs.
Despite Namibia’s attempts to force a result, conditions prevented the minimum 20 overs required for a result, and the match was justifiably abandoned.
Post-match reaction
Head coach Steve Tikolo praised the team’s response: “The improvement with the ball was clear. From giving away 27 extras in the previous game to just one today shows discipline and growth. The fight was there, even with the bat as guys showed willingness to hang in there and that’s what we want to build on.”
Namibia head coach Craig Williams—a former Cricket Cranes consultant—acknowledged Uganda’s progress: “Uganda has improved. You can see the structure coming through. What they need now is hunger and consistency. With the right mindset, they have a real chance in upcoming ICC competitions.”
Vice-captain Juma Miyaji reflected on the tour: “It’s been a tough tour but a very important one for us. We’ve learned a lot, especially in difficult conditions. Our bowlers have shown we can compete, but we need to improve with the bat and build longer productive innings.”
Signs of the future
Uganda fielded a youthful squad, handing opportunities to emerging talents including Gerald Olipa, Anas Baig, and Charles Musemeza, all of whom showed glimpses of promise.
Final outlook
Although Namibia claimed the 50-over series 1-0 and overall tour 3-1, Uganda will take positives from a steadily improving bowling unit and growing squad depth.
Focus now shifts to preparations for the upcoming international assignments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B (Tanzania) and the T20 World Cup qualification (Nigeria) in pathway.
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