One Run. One Heartbreak. Regional Finals Secured.

Uganda fell one run short against hosts Nigeria in Abuja, finishing second in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C. Riazat Ali Shah scored 60 and Joseph Baguma took 4/21 as both teams booked places in the Africa Regional Final.

The Cricket Cranes suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat to hosts Nigeria in a winner-takes-all showdown on Sunday, October 25, surrendering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C title despite a spirited fightback at NCF Oval 1.

Golden Finish. Nigeria celebrate with the championship trophy and gold medals alongside NCF president Uyi Akpata, board members and team officials after completing a flawless run to the title on home soil. PHOTOS/ICC AFRICA – NCF & INNOCENT NDAWULA

Uganda, ranked 21st in the world, fell to the 40th-ranked Yellow Greens in a nerve-shredding finish that saw the hosts defend 148 to complete an unbeaten campaign with five wins from five matches. Nigeria finished top of the six-team standings with 10 points, while Uganda settled for second on eight after winning four of their five games. Both sides had already secured qualification for next year’s Africa Regional Final.

The defeat was a bitter pill for the Cricket Cranes, who had entered the final with four consecutive victories and the tournament’s most destructive bowling performance fresh in their minds. However, Nigeria brought greater intent to the decisive contest and held their nerve when it mattered most.

Pressure Applied. Off Spinner Joseph Baguma (C) led Uganda’s fightback as the bowlers struck at regular intervals to dismiss Nigeria for 148 in 19.4 overs, leaving the visitors with a target they believed they could chase.

Baguma Leads Fightback

Uganda’s bowlers recovered from an expensive start to restrict Nigeria to 148 all out in 19.4 overs, with off spinner Joseph Baguma producing a superb spell of 4/21 in four overs. Baguma struck twice in his opening over, removing Selim Salau for 30 and Isaac Okpe for six, before dismissing top scorer Isaac Danladi for 47 off 28 balls and Miracle Akhigbe for a duck.

Juma Miyagi chipped in with 2/17, while Alpesh Ramjani and Enock Kasaija claimed a wicket each. Kenneth Waiswa also took one wicket as Uganda repeatedly checked Nigeria’s progress.

Rapid Runs. Ali Rahmon’s 35 off 23 balls added valuable impetus for the hosts, helping Nigeria remain competitive despite Uganda’s efforts to pull the innings back.

Danladi’s innings, which included three fours and four sixes, proved decisive. Ali Rahmon added 35 off 23 balls to keep the hosts competitive after Baguma’s early strikes.

Uganda’s fielding, however, offered Nigeria some relief through missed opportunities and misfields that proved costly in a match decided by the narrowest of margins.

Riazat’s Lone Battle

The chase began badly, with Raghav Dhawan and Robinson Obuya dismissed early to leave Uganda under pressure. Captain Riazat Ali Shah then launched a spirited counterattack, smashing 60 off 36 balls, including three fours and five sixes.

Hot Blade. Captain Riazat Ali Shah launched Uganda’s response with a commanding 60 off 36 balls, striking three fours and five sixes in a determined bid to bring the title home.

Gerald Olipa contributed 18 off 22 deliveries in a supporting role as the pair rebuilt the innings before Olipa fell at 99/3. Riazat continued to attack, but Sylvester Okpe bowled the skipper at 108/4, leaving Uganda’s lower order with a demanding finish.

Alpesh Ramjani struck 20 off 18 balls to keep the chase alive, but Nigeria continued to take wickets at crucial moments. Uganda slipped to 145/8 before Juma Miyagi was run out off the final delivery, leaving the Cricket Cranes stranded on 147/9.

Last Gasp. Juma Miyaji chases a wide delivery and manages a single from the final ball, but Uganda finish on 147/9 — one run short of Nigeria’s target of 148.

Nigeria’s Isaac Danladi was named Player of the Match for his match-defining 47.

Upsets Mark Final Day

Earlier, the final day had already delivered two surprises. Mozambique stunned Zambia by three wickets, while The Gambia registered their first victory of the tournament by edging Lesotho by three runs.

Despite missing out on the trophy, Uganda’s four wins secured their place in the Africa Regional Final, keeping their qualification campaign on track as they turn their attention to the next stage.

Narrow Glory. The final ball sparks jubilation among the Yellow Greens as Nigeria defend 148 by the narrowest of margins, sealing an unbeaten five-win campaign and the Abuja crown.

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

Scores Summary – October 25

Nigeria 148 all out (19.4 overs)

Isaac Danladi 47, Ali Rahmon 35, Selim Salau 30; Joseph Baguma 4/21, Juma Miyagi 2/17.

Uganda 147/9 (20 overs)

Riazat Ali Shah 60, Alpesh Ramjani 20, Gerald Olipa 18; Abdullahi Ismail 2/30, Isaac Okpe 2/18, Sylvester Okpe 2/15.

Result: Nigeria won by one run.

Player of the Match: Isaac Danladi (Nigeria) – 47 off 28 balls.

How It All Started. The stakes were clear at the toss as Uganda and hosts Nigeria prepared for a winner-takes-all showdown, with the Abuja title and unbeaten bragging rights on the line.

FINAL POINTS TABLE

Pos.     Team                          P          W         L          Pts       NRR

1.         Nigeria                       5          5          0          10        4.6341

2.         Uganda                     5          4          1          8          4.8736

3.         Zambia                       5          2          3          4          0.1012

4.         Mozambique            5          2          3          4          -2.6866

5.         Lesotho                      5          1          4          2          -1.4064

6.         The Gambia              5          1          4          2          -4.2418

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