Uganda national squad required good team performance to bounce back after a heartbreaking 12 runs loss in the low scoring 2nd match of Saudi Arabia’s Easter tour of Uganda at Kyambogo oval. And they responded in a much positive manner as they registered a 67-runs victory by Duckworth-Lewis method over their opponents in the 3rd match of the tour and the second 50-overs game.
The top-order came good for Uganda as they lost only a solitary wicket till the 37th over when the rain arrived and didn’t let them bat any further. However, with just one wicket loss, Uganda’s score of 159 became 211 to chase for Saudi Arabia in 32 overs.
Cricket Cranes keep series alive with gutsy win..
Match Report 👇
https://t.co/a5W3xSVmOz pic.twitter.com/R3q3SfqBpU— Uganda Cricket Association (@CricketUganda) April 1, 2018
The asking rate was already higher than 6 runs per over and with the rain juicing up the track, shot making became a tad difficult for the Saudi batters as Uganda bowlers started picking up wickets at regular intervals. Partnerships were required to mount any sort of challenge to the total but the increasing asking rate was never in control for Saudi Arabia as they got bowled out for only 143 in the 31st over.
Uganda bowlers had the advantage of DLS on their side thanks to the less number of wickets falling in their own batting display and will be hoping that the batters continue the same trend when the two sides meet at Lugogo oval for the next 50-overs match of the series.
Both teams have their own shortcomings and for head coach Steve Tikolo, it’s all about having his batsmen go out with a positive mindset in the middle and contribute heavily towards building bigger team totals to give their bowlers the advantage of defending them.
Brief Scores:
Uganda 159/1 in 37 Overs (Roger Mukasa 59 n.o, Hamu Kayondo 40 n.o, Simon Ssesazi 36, Usman Ali 1/26) beat Saudi Arabia 143 All Out in 30.1 Overs (Target: 211 in 32 overs – Muhammad Afzal 40, Saeed Inayat 23, Irfan Afridi 3/7, Bilal Hassun 3/53) by 67 runs (Duckworth-Lewis Method)
