CRICKET – BAHRAIN lost to Uganda yesterday in the ICC CWC Challenge League B, played at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Entebbe, Uganda.
The hosts continued their impressive form with a big 166-run triumph.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Uganda posted a formidable total of 267/8 in their allotted 50 overs, setting Bahrain a challenging target.
Despite a tricky wicket that slowed down as the game progressed, Uganda’s batters adapted well to the conditions. Shrideep Mangela top-scored with a patient 102 off 128 balls, anchoring the innings after a steady start.
Ugandan skipper Riazat Ali Shah was dismissed for 11, and there was a quick collapse that saw Uganda slip to 235/5 at one stage. However, Dinesh Nakrani’s explosive 76 off 47 balls helped Uganda recover and accelerate in the final overs, adding crucial runs to the total.
Nakrani’s knock, featuring seven fours and three sixes, was the highlight of Uganda’s late surge.
On the bowling front, Bahrain struggled to contain Uganda’s batting attack. Ali Dawood (2/41) and Sohail Ahmed (2/47) were the pick of the bowlers, but the rest of the Bahrain attack failed to make a significant impact. Abdul Majid (1/31) and Sachin Kumar (1/47) picked up one wicket each but were largely ineffective in the face of Uganda’s strong middle and lower-order batting.
In reply, Bahrain’s chase quickly fell apart as Uganda’s bowlers put on a clinical display.
Frank Nsubuga was the standout performer, taking 2/22 in his 10 overs, while Henry Ssenyondo (3/31) and Alpesh Ramjani (3/13) caused further damage with the ball. The collapse was swift and comprehensive, with Bahrain being bundled out for just 101 in 40.5 overs.
Haider Butt, who fought valiantly with an unbeaten 50 off 67 balls, was the only bright spot in Bahrain’s batting performance. However, his efforts were in vain as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
Imran Anwar (13), Ahmer Bin Nasir (17), and Asif Ali (8) all got starts but failed to build any meaningful partnerships. Bahrain’s lower order was cleaned up with relative ease, with four batsmen failing to make it past single digits.
The Ugandan bowlers maintained tight lines and exploited the slow pitch to perfection. Juma Miyagi’s miserly spell of 1/7 in six overs was particularly impressive, while Dinesh Nakrani (1/23) and Henry Ssenyondo (3/31) took wickets at key moments to seal the game for Uganda.
The 166-run victory puts Uganda firmly in control of their campaign in the ICC CWC Challenge League B. Their all-round performance, characterised by a solid batting display, clinical bowling, and sharp fielding, proved too much for Bahrain, who struggled to cope with the pressure of the contest.
Following their tour of Uganda, Bahrain will next be competing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub Regional Qualifiers, which is set to take place in Doha.
There, they will face Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, before taking on Thailand on Friday. They then go up against Bhutan on Saturday.
Their matches with Saudi and Bhutan will be held at West End Park International Cricket Stadium in the Qatari capital, while their clash with Thailand will be held at University of Doha for Science and Technology.
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