Cricket Cranes falter again as World Cup hopes fade

ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Africa

Results

Tanzania 128/6 in 20 overs

Uganda 119/9 in 20 overs

Tanzania won by 9 runs

Uganda’s return to the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup has taken a disastrous turn following a narrow 9-run defeat to Tanzania on Sunday at Takashinga Cricket Oval.

This marks Uganda’s second consecutive loss in the tournament, having fallen to hosts Zimbabwe by five wickets on Friday. The result leaves the Cricket Cranes in a precarious position with no margin for error, and a tough clash against Namibia still ahead.

In a must-win match, Uganda won the toss and opted to bowl first—a decision that initially paid off. The bowlers kept Tanzania in check, restricting them to a modest 128/6 in 20 overs.

Uganda’s chase began brightly with Ronald Lutaaya replacing Robinson Obuya in the lineup. However, Lutaaya’s early dismissal dampened the momentum. His opening partner, Raghav Dhawan, looked composed with a solid 39 runs, while Ghurav Tomar added 18 to stabilize the innings.

But the wickets began to tumble. Instead of introducing captain Riazat Ali Shah, Uganda sent in Dinesh Nakrani, who partnered briefly with Dhawan before both were dismissed. Sumeet Verma joined the crease and, alongside Nakrani, kept the scoreboard ticking with smart running between the wickets—until Tanzania’s fielders turned up the pressure.

The collapse came swiftly. Shah and Alpesh Ramjani fell cheaply, each scoring just two runs. Juma Miyaji followed with a golden duck, leaving Uganda’s tailenders Cosmas Kyewuta and Joseph Baguma to salvage the final over. Tanzania’s bowlers held firm, delivering pinpoint yorkers to seal a famous victory.

Uganda Cricket Association board chairman Jackson Kavuma issued a statement in response to the team’s performance: “As an association, we call for calm and collective focus, even in the face of disappointment. While we may have fallen short of our immediate goal, our vision and direction remain firmly on course.”

With two losses in the group stage, Uganda is now out of contention for progression. The remaining fixtures will be played for pride, as the Cricket Cranes look to restore confidence and finish the tournament on a high.