Uganda XI stun MCA Colts XI 4-0

The Cricket Cranes completed a commanding 4-0 clean sweep of the Mumbai Tour 50-over series after defeating MCA Colts XI by 53 runs in the fourth and final match at Adani Stadium in Dahanu on Sunday, May 24.

MATCH SUMMARY

Uganda XI 194 all out in 44.2 overs
Sarvesh Patil 49, Fahad Mutagana 31, Alpesh Ramjani 23; Satyam Chaudhary 5/33, Shivam Gupta 3/39

MCA Colts XI 141 all out in 35.2 overs
Pranay Kapadia 52, Aryan Patil 22; Joseph Baguma 3/37, Alpesh Ramjani 2/19, Enock Kasaija 2/25

Result: Uganda XI won by 53 runs
Player of the Match: Alpesh Ramjani
50-Over Series Result: Uganda win 4-0

NEXT FIXTURE — MAY 26, 2026
Mumbai Premier League XI vs. Uganda XI
Dadoji Konddev Stadium, Thane – Maharashtra
T20 Match, 8am

Champion Mindset. The Cricket Cranes huddle together after completing a perfect 4-0 series victory in Mumbai following another disciplined all-round display against MCA Colts XI. PHOTOS/INNOCENT NDAWULA Credit: INNOCENT NDAWULA

Dahanu, May 24. The Cricket Cranes completed a commanding 4-0 clean sweep of the Mumbai Tour 50-over series after defeating MCA Colts XI by 53 runs in the fourth and final match at Adani Stadium in Dahanu on Sunday, May 24.

The victory capped an impressive week for coach Steve Tikolo’s side, who once again relied on disciplined spin bowling, sharp fielding and tactical adaptability to overpower the hosts in unfamiliar subcontinental conditions ahead of major ICC assignments later this year.

Unlike the one-sided third match, Uganda were forced to work much harder for victory after a batting performance that promised much but nearly faded away dramatically. After captain Fred Achelam lost the toss and Uganda XI were asked to bat first, the Cricket Cranes appeared well positioned for a total beyond 230 with all of the top six batters making starts.

Initiative not seized

Debutant wicketkeeper-batter Sarvesh Patil gave Uganda early momentum with an aggressive 49 off 38 balls featuring eight boundaries while fellow debutant Fahad Mutagana impressed with a composed 31 off 46 deliveries. Ronald Lutaaya added 23 while Alpesh Ramjani and Dinesh Nakrani both contributed 23 and 21 respectively.

Final Stand. Siraje Nsubuga (L) and debutant Enock Kasaija put on nine runs for the last combo amidst the chaos that saw Uganda lose its last five wickets for just 16 runs. Credit: INNOCENT NDAWULA

At 178 for five, Uganda looked set for a strong finish before the innings suddenly collapsed. The last five wickets fell for only 16 runs as MCA Colts fought back brilliantly through leg-spinner Satyam Chaudhary, who finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 33, while Shivam Gupta claimed 3 for 39.

Uganda were eventually bowled out for 194 in 44.2 overs – a total that initially appeared vulnerable on a good batting surface.

However, Uganda’s bowlers once again transformed the contest completely.

MCA Colts began confidently during the chase and were scoring comfortably above the required run rate despite losing two early wickets. Pranay Kapadia anchored the innings superbly with 52 off 68 balls while Aryan Patil added 22 as the hosts looked firmly in control at different stages of the chase.

But Uganda’s slow bowlers gradually tightened the grip as the Adani Stadium surface began turning sharply.

Bowlers turn tide

Off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga controlled the scoring rate masterfully with figures of 1 for 14 in five overs while left-arm orthodox spinner Alpesh Ramjani produced another economical spell, taking 2 for 19 in 8.2 overs to earn the Player of the Match (POTM) award.

Finger spinner Joseph Baguma then delivered the decisive blows with 3 for 37 while debutant fast bowler Enock Kasaija struck twice upfront to derail MCA Colts early momentum.

Sharing Commiserations. Ugandan coach Steve Tikolo leads the management team out to shake hands with MCA Colts players at Adani Stadium in Dahanu, Palghar District. Credit: INNOCENT NDAWULA

Uganda’s fielding display further tilted the contest, with several outstanding catches and athletic efforts in the outfield maintaining relentless pressure on the hosts throughout the innings.

Delight for all

Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang praised the squad’s adaptability after sealing the clean sweep.

“We came here to adapt to such conditions because we will face the same in Tanzania and job well done from the lads for grabbing their opportunities and executing,” Ogwang said.

“Our homework is also right before us. We continue to work on our weaknesses like the batting at the end. We have faced quality opposition and we will continue to spread out the chances to the big squad we have here even in the T20s.”

Toss Time. Uganda skipper Fred Achelam (L) wasn’t lucky at the pre-match toss but still managed to rally his troops to victory in the final match of the 50-Over Series.

Debutant Fahad Mutagana reflected positively after his impressive first appearance for the senior side.

“I am happy with my shift and to finally rub shoulders with the senior men’s team players,” Mutagana said.

“I enjoyed my innings and I am happy how I adapted to playing on that surface. I would have wanted more runs but I will wait for my next chances. I also enjoyed the fielding and the two catches I took.”

Fellow debutant Enock Kasaija also celebrated a memorable first outing abroad.

“My first time to fly out of Uganda and I came to India,” Kasaija said.

“I am happy with all the support I got from the guys all around especially my old boys from Nyakasura Schoo who kept on talking to mel. Also picking two wickets upfront as a pace opening bowler gives me joy because it means I can strike.”

Uganda will now shift focus to the four-match T20 leg of the Mumbai Tour as preparations continue for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Tanzania this August and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Nigeria later this year.

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