Uganda beats Tanzania in ICC U-19 final

Dec 11, 2012

Uganda survived a spirited Tanzania in the final game of the 2012 ICC Africa under-19 Twenty 20 championship to win the six-team tournament Monday at Lugogo.

By Charles Mutebi

ICC Africa U-19 T20 championship

Tanzania 37 Uganda 38/9
(Uganda won by one wicket)

Uganda 100/6  Mozambique 43/9
(Uganda won by 57 runs)

LUGOGO - Uganda survived a spirited Tanzania in the final game of the 2012 ICC Africa under-19 Twenty 20 championship to win the six-team tournament Monday at Lugogo.

Chasing 38 to win, the hosts grabbed a one-wicket victory over Tanzania, who had put them on the ropes with an impressive defensive performance, bowling and fielding with lethal purpose.

But just when it seemed like Uganda might be in danger of losing the match, let alone the tournament, Patricia Munguriek found deep backward square leg for a four that tied the scores a 37 all. Tanzania, rather anticlimactically, then gave away a wide to hand Uganda the triumph.

The victory took Uganda to eight points, level with Botswana but the hosts won courtesy of a better net-run rate. Uganda ended with net-run-rate of 1.307, Botswana had 1.188.

After the match Uganda captain Rebecca Mirembe praised the unity within the team, which was the bedrock of their success.

“It was our teamwork and hard work that helped us win,” Mirembe said.

“We went out there and supported each other.”

Rachel Ntono was Uganda’s star against Tanzania, taking 3/10. Janet Mbabazi claimed 2/5. In the morning game, Damalie Busingye, Janet Mbabazi and Patricia Busingye scored 27, 16 and 14 runs apiece as Uganda thrashed Mozambique by 57 runs. Mbabazi also claimed 3/9.

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