Uganda’s Cricket Cranes maintained their perfect start to the ILT20 Cup in Kigali, Rwanda, defeating Botswana by five wickets to register their second consecutive victory.
Put in to bat after Botswana won the toss, the Cricket Cranes restricted their opponents to 101/7 in 20 overs, with Uganda’s bowlers keeping the scoring under control throughout the innings.
Juma Miyaji was particularly economical, returning figures of 2/9, while Joseph Baguma provided the decisive middle-overs breakthrough, claiming 3/14 to dismantle Botswana’s middle and lower order.
Uganda made one change to the side, with Enock Kasaija replacing Cosmas Kyewuta and making his T20I debut.
However, Kasaija struggled to find his rhythm with the new ball as Botswana steadily accumulated runs at around five an over.
The chase began unconvincingly when Anas Baig again failed to provide a substantial contribution at the top, but Robinson Obuya anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 51, giving Uganda the stability they needed.
Charles Musemeza added 15, while Gerald Olipa contributed 24, before Uganda lost a couple of wickets towards the closing stages.
The setbacks did little to derail the chase, however, as the defending champions reached 105/5 to complete a five-wicket victory and preserve their unbeaten record.
The result strengthens Uganda’s pursuit of a third ILT20 Cup title, with the Cricket Cranes now turning their attention to their next assignment against hosts Rwanda on Friday.
