Harare – September 30. The Cricket Cranes ended their group stage campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier on a high, defeating Botswana by 8 wickets at Takashinga Cricket Club.
After restricting Botswana to 81/6 in 20 overs, Uganda chased down the target in 12.4 overs thanks to a match-winning half-century from Raghav Dhawan, who was named Player of the Match.
Skipper Riazat Ali Shah (2/7), Dinesh Nakrain (2/13) and veteran Frank Nsubuga (0/13) led with the ball, sharing four wickets between them. Nsubuga, playing his first game of the tournament in his 29th year of national duty, was delighted to deliver again:
“I’ve always believed in doing my job for Uganda. It was good to get my chance today and contribute to the win.”
Dhawan anchored the chase with 54 not out off 45 balls, supported by Sumeet Verma (29), after early hiccups saw Uganda reduced to 23/2.
“The bowlers set the tone, and that gave us confidence as batters,” Dhawan said. “We wanted to show resilience after the tough loss to Tanzania, and I’m happy I could finish it.”
Coach Abhay Sharma commended the team’s response:
“It was not flawless, but it was the response we needed. The boys showed character, especially after such a tough defeat. This win restores belief and sets us up for the playoffs.”
Captain Riazat Ali Shah added:
“The bowlers were superb today, and Raghav’s innings showed the maturity we need at the top. It was important to end the group stage with a win, and now we want to carry this momentum into the 5th-place semifinals.”
Uganda will next play in the fifth-place semifinal on Wednesday, October 2, in Harare.
ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER – RESULT – TODAY
Botswana 81/6 | Uganda 85/2
Uganda won by 8 wickets (44 balls remaining)
NEXT FIXTURE – THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
5th Place Semifinal, Harare.
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