Uganda may have lost a few battles but they were able to stay on top with a gutsy performance of neighbours Kenya in the ICC CWC Challenge League B.

The Cricket Cranes won by 7 wickets putting Kenya to the sword after they won the toss and elected to bat.

They started their inning in a fiery way with Alex Obanda scoring an early 28 runs off 34. Ifran Karim also came on and scored 33 of 66. His fourth-wicket partnership with Rakep Patel(72 off 72) had put Kenya in a comfortable position until Uganda‘s bowlers cleaned up their act.

Simon Ssesazi in action during a 2022 Cricket World Cup Challenge League B match at Lugogo

Riazat Ali Shah leaked early runs but he fought back to finish on 3/54, Dinesh Nakrani picked up 2 while Cosmas Kyweuta was the pick of the bunch with 3/22 in 8 overs.

Cricket fans cheer as Uganda takes on Kenya during a 2022 Cricket World Cup Challenge League B match at Lugogo

“The way we fought back with the ball was impressive. We were 193/4 with 40 overs on board, but to get six wickets for 20 runs was something special,” said Cricket Cranes coach Lawrence Mahatlane.

Uganda cricket fans celebrate the win over Kenya

Uganda was able to restrict Kenya and bowled them out for 220 giving themselves a defendable total.

Captain Brian Masaba(22) came out to bat at one and with Simon Ssesazi as they kicked off the chase well. Ssesazi scored 87 and was unbeaten. He was supported well by Ronak Patel 50 and Nakrani who scored a big 50 to secure the match.

Dinesh Nakrani in action during a 2022 Cricket World Cup Challenge League B match at Lugogo

“This is our standard. We know the quality of cricket we have played over the last two years and hopefully, we can maintain this standard,” said Mahatlane.

Simon Ssesazi waves to the fans after victory over Kenya

ICC CWC Challenge League

Results

Kenya 220/10 (47.1 overs)

Uganda 224/3 (45.1 overs)

 Uganda won by 7 wickets

Fixtures

Monday

Bermuda v Italy Lugogo, 10am

Hong Kong v Kenya, Kyambogo 10am