Cricket: Uganda collapse against Italy but still in control of their destiny

ICC World Challenge League B

Italy 192/9 Uganda 79
(Italy win by 113 runs) 
Tomorrow 
Uganda v Hong Kong 

Uganda succumbed to a shock 113-run loss to Italy today in the ICC World Challenge League B, their first defeat in the tournament and one that cost them - for now at least - top spot in the group.

No one will say they saw this coming, which ideally should make it easy to move on. Then again, Steve Tikolo will be wondering what in the world happened to his, until today, all conquering side.

In a technical cricket sense the Cricket Cranes collapsed - which is a part of the sport. The worry for Riazat Shah and his men is there was not a single bright spot for Uganda from a batting perspective, as they chased Italy's score of 192. Not one.

Simon Ssesazi scored 19, but for an opener, and one who is due a really good knock, this was anything but remarkable. 

After that Alpesh Ramjani with 14 was Uganda's next best batter. Again, meagre.

Still, the bigger picture is that Uganda are level on 20 points with Italy at the top and remain firmly in control of their destiny.

A victory against Hong Kong tomorrow will restore normal and accelerate recovery from the incredible beating Uganda received from Italy.