Uganda Crush Gambia by 10 Wickets

Kasaija, Riazat Lead Gambia Demolition

The Cricket Cranes recorded their third consecutive victory at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, crushing The Gambia by 10 wickets. Captain Riazat Ali Shah claimed 3/11 to earn Player of the Match, while Enock Kasaija took 3/14 before Robinson Obuya smashed an unbeaten 20 off six balls to complete the chase in 1.4 overs.

ABUJA, OCTOBER 23. The Cricket Cranes delivered a ruthless performance to defeat The Gambia by 10 wickets in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Matchday Three – this afternoon.

**Wicket Storm.** Uganda’s bowlers celebrate another breakthrough as the Cricket Cranes dismantle The Gambia’s batting line-up, bowling them out for just 27 in 8.2 overs.

The Cricket Cranes dismissed the 95th-ranked Gambians for just 27 in 8.2 overs before racing to 28 without loss in only 1.4 overs, completing the match in 10 overs and registering their third consecutive victory in the six-nation competition.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah and Enock Kasaija led the demolition with three wickets apiece, while Alpesh Ramjani claimed two and Joseph Baguma added one as Uganda’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the Gambian innings.

Riazat returned 3/11 in 3 overs to earn the Player of the Match (POTM) award, while Kasaija produced his career-best T20 International bowling figures of 3/14 in 4 overs.

Bowlers set the tone

After winning the toss, Gambian captain Abubacarr Kuyateh elected to bat, but Uganda struck immediately and never allowed their opponents to establish a partnership. Riazat removed Modou Bojang for a duck in the first over before dismissing Muhammed Manga for seven and Frank Campbell, also without scoring, to leave The Gambia struggling at 4/3.

Career Best — **Best Outing.** Enock Kasaija delivers during his outstanding spell of 3/14 in four overs, his career-best T20I bowling figures, as Uganda dominate The Gambia in Abuja.

Kasaija continued the damage, taking three wickets as the innings unravelled. Aniru Conteh fell for one, before Kuyateh and David Demba were dismissed for one apiece. Ramjani then claimed two wickets in his only over, while Baguma completed the rout by having Malang Touray stumped for one by the wicketkeeper Charles Musemeza, who was playing his first match of the tourney.

Andre Jarju offered the only meaningful resistance, remaining unbeaten on 15 off 15, including the innings’ second boundary. The Gambia were bowled out for 27 in 8.2 overs. Uganda conceded just one wide and recorded a disciplined effort.

Obuya finishes the job

The chase was equally emphatic. Robinson Obuya struck an unbeaten 20 from just six balls, including three sixes, while Anas Baig Mirza contributed six not out from four deliveries, including a boundary.

Uganda reached 28 without loss in 1.4 overs to seal the 10-wicket victory without losing a batter. Obuya welcomed his contribution, emphasising the importance of maintaining the team’s winning momentum as Uganda pursue qualification for the Africa Regional Final and the overall tournament title.

Hit Out — **Six Appeal.** Robinson Obuya attacks the bowling on his way to an unbeaten 20 off just six balls, including three sixes, as Uganda race to their target in only 1.4 overs.

“I am happy to get some runs off my bat. I found the team with a winning momentum and it was important that I continued with the same. The team idea is to continue with this winning mentality so that we fulfil our goal of qualifying for the Africa Regional Final and also win this tournament in the end,” he said.

Focus shifts to Mozambique

Head coach Steve Tikolo praised the team’s clinical execution and urged the players to maintain the same standards against their remaining opponents.

“Well done to the team, clinical performance. That’s how we have to deal with lesser teams. We don’t give them any chance to think they can compete with us. Well done bowlers — Riazat, Kasaija, and spinners Ramjani and Baguma — for setting up the win,” Tikolo said.

Uganda face Mozambique tomorrow – Saturday, October 24, at 11:30am EAT at NCF Oval 2. Victory would secure the Cranes’ place in the Africa Regional Final, the next stage of qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Uganda will conclude their campaign against hosts Nigeria on Sunday, October 25, at 3:50pm EAT at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium NCF Oval 1. The contest could also prove decisive in determining the tournament winners.

Presida Uyi — **Outstanding On The Day.** Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah receives his Player of the Match award from NCF president Uyi Akpate after claiming 3/11 to spearhead the Cricket Cranes’ 10-wicket triumph over The Gambia.

ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA SUB-REGIONAL QUALIFIER C

Scores Summary – October 23

The Gambia 27 all out (8.2 overs)

Andre Jarju 15, Muhammed Manga 7, Aniru Conteh 1; Riazat Ali Shah 3/11, Enock Kasaija 3/14, Alpesh Ramjani 2/2, Joseph Baguma 1/0

Uganda 28/0 (1.4 overs)

Robinson Obuya 20*, Anas Baig 6*

Uganda won by 10 wickets

Player of the Match: Riazat Ali Shah of Uganda

Milestone: Enock Kasaija recorded his career-best T20I bowling figures of 3/14.

NEXT FIXTURE – TOMORROW – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

Uganda vs. Mozambique — 11:30am EAT

Moshood Abiola National Stadium, NCF Oval 2, Abuja

POINTS TABLE STANDINGS

Job Done — **Quick Finish**. Uganda batsmen; Anas Baig (L) and Robinson Obuya (C) walk off the oval after completing the chase in 1.4 overs to give Uganda a massive 10-wicket victory.

TEAM　　　　　　　 P　 W　 L　 T　NR PTS　 NRR

Nigeria　　　　　　　 3　 3　 0　 0　 0　 6　 6.0127

Uganda　　　　　　　3　 3　 0　 0　 0　 6　 5.4317

Zambia 　　　　　　　3　 1　 2　 0　 0　 2　 -0.7521

Lesotho　　　　　　 3　 1　 2　 0　 0　 2　 -0.9247

Mozambique　　　　 3　 1　 2　 0　 0　 2　 -2.2374

Gambia　　　　　　　3　 0　 3　 0　 0　 0　 -6.3620

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