Namibia expose gulf in class as Uganda's ODI dream takes another blow

Uganda’s desperation for ODI status is no secret.

But on days like Monday, when an encounter with Namibia ends in a 173-run humbling, questions about the viability of that dream are hard to resist.

The gulf between where Uganda are and where they hope to be is essentially what Namibia showed in the two sides’ one-day encounter yesterday at FNB NCG. It was a no-contest, with the hosts combining explosive batting with stifling bowling to leave Steve Tikolo’s Cricket Cranes exposed and, thankfully, enlightened.   

“We’re learning a lot from them: the way they read the game, rotate the strike, and stay disciplined. It’s a process, but we’ll keep improving,” said Uganda Simon Ssesazi, who finished with 18 runs for the Cricket Cranes.

Bowler Juma Miyagi scored the most runs for Uganda with 36, while Anas Baig, Kenneth Waiswa and Riazat Shah added 25, 20 and 18 runs respectively. Uganda were chasing 303. They were all out for 130 in just 30.2 overs.

The beauty with this game is in the exposure to elite opposition gained by Uganda's young team. No doubt they have plenty to learn, but at least they have been given the opportunity. It is upon them to build on the lessons, hard though they may be.

Uganda Tour of Namibia

Result

Namibia 303/8 Uganda 130/10

(Uganda lose by 173 runs)

Tomorrow

Namibia v Uganda

CU Men’s 50 Over League

Results

Gold

Kutchi 119/3 Sugar 117/10

(Kutchi win by seven wickets)

Silver

Ismaili 127/1 Kutchi 128/10

(Ismaili win by nine wickets D/L)

Bronze

Kifaru 352/8 Centurion 92/10

(Kifaru win by 260 runs)

Centurion 148/6 Tornado 146/10

(Centurion win by four wickets)

Chennai 164/7 Africa 106/10

(Chennai win by 56 runs)