Uganda Find Some Rhythm Against Tanzania

Uganda began its final Challenge League B preparations with a commanding 103-run victory over Tanzania at the newly erected NTS Ground in Dar es Salaam. Sumeet Verma starred with 106 and 2/32 as the Cricket Cranes posted 314/5 before bowling Tanzania out for 211.

Dar es Salaam, August 5. The Cricket Cranes made a confident start to their final preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B campaign with a 103-run victory over hosts Tanzania at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)’s newly-erected NTS Ground on August 4.

Century Charge: Sumeet Verma celebrates his match-winning century as the all-rounder’s 106 powered Uganda to 314/5 before he returned to take two wickets in the 103-run win over Tanzania.

It was a historic moment as the match was the first-ever played at the beautiful NTS Ground.

Uganda first posted an imposing 314/5 in 50 overs, built around a superb century from Sumeet Verma, who struck 106 from 114 balls with nine fours and a six.

Verma anchored the innings brilliantly, combining with captain Riazat Ali Shah, who smashed a rapid 65 off 44 balls, including three fours and four sixes before he retired.

Opening batsman Raghav Dhawan also made a valuable 55 off 46 before he abruptly ended his innings after one uncomfortable shot forced him to retire prematurely as the team opted for a precaution measure, while Kenneth Waiswa contributed 32 and Alpesh Ramjani 20 from 16.

Early Momentum: Raghav Dhawan contributed a brisk 55 from 46 balls before retiring as Uganda built the platform for a commanding 314/5.

Controlled aggression

Ali Shah’s aggressive knock provided the acceleration Uganda needed late in the innings, with the Cricket Cranes finishing on 314/5.

Tanzania, however, did not surrender meekly.

The hosts showed considerable fight in their chase, with Opener Dhrumit Mehta making 41 off 37, top-order batter Abhishek Kumar adding 33 and Umar Shaikh scoring 35.

Mohamed Omary Kitunda contributed 25 as Tanzania reached 211 before being bowled out in 48.2 overs.

Uganda’s bowling attack eventually tightened the screws.

The spinning quartet of Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Alpesh Ramjani, Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Henry Ssenyondo, finger spinner Joseph Baguma and batting-cum-spinning all-rounder Sumeet Verma each claimed two wickets apiece.

Vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa (medium pace) and fast bowler Juma Miyaji picked up one apiece.

New Ground: The Cricket Cranes made history alongside Tanzania at the newly erected NTS Ground, which hosted its first-ever match in Dar es Salaam.

Confidence boost

Ssenyondo was particularly economical, returning 2/39 from 10 overs, while Man of Match Verma finished with 2/32 from 9.2 overs.

The victory gives the Cricket Cranes an important confidence boost ahead of their Challenge League B campaign, which begins on August 8 against Tanzania.

Uganda will take on Hong Kong, China in their next and last warm-up fixture at the Annadil Burhani Criket Ground in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.

More importantly, these matches are providing valuable exposure to the new Dar es Salaam conditions, combinations and match pressure before Uganda begins its One Day International (ODI) status and World Cup qualification push in earnest.

Cranes Soar: A strong all-round performance sees Uganda defeat Tanzania by 103 runs in the first warm-up at the newly built NTS Ground, Dar es Salaam.

PRE-CWC TRI-NATION LIST A WARM-UP TOURNAMENT

Uganda 314/5 in 50 Overs (Sumeet Verma 106, Riazat Ali Shah 65, Raghav Dhawan 55, Kenneth Waiswa 32, Alpesh Ramjani 20; Ally Mpeka Kimote 3/68, Abhishek Kumar 1/29)

Tanzania 211/10 in 48.2 Overs (Dhrumit Mehta 41, Umar Shaikh 35, Abhishek Kumar 33, Mohammed Omary Kitunda 25; Sumeet Verma 2/32, Alpesh Ramjani 2/32, Henry Ssenyondo 2/39, Joseph Baguma 2/45)

Result: Uganda won by 103 runs

Man of Match: Sumeet Verma (Uganda) 106 & 2/32

The Masterclass: Sumeet Verma delivered a match-winning all-round performance, smashing a superb 106 before returning to claim 2/32 as the Cricket Cranes powered past Tanzania by 103 runs in Dar es Salaam.

NEXT WARM-UP FIXTURE

Tomorrow, August 6, 9.30am

Uganda vs. Hong Kong – China,

Annadil Burhani Cricket Ground, Dar es Salaam

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