Uganda’s Cricket Cranes suffered a damaging setback in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B campaign, falling to a 113-run defeat against Italy at the NTS Ground, TCA Arena – UDSM.
Italy defended their 192/9 with authority, bowling Uganda out for just 79 in 31.1 overs to hand the Cricket Cranes their first defeat of the three-legged campaign.
The defeat leaves Uganda on 20 points, level with Italy, but the European side moves to the top of the standings on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) of 2.469.
Hong Kong-China also strengthened their position, moving to 16 points after a six-wicket victory over hosts Tanzania earlier in the day.
For Uganda, the result leaves no room for a prolonged recovery period.
The Cricket Cranes return to the same venue on Wednesday morning for another crucial encounter against Hong Kong-China.
Italy make the most of their opportunity
Having been asked to bowl first after losing the toss, Uganda initially kept Italy under control, with their spin attack exploiting the conditions effectively.
Sumeet Verma was Uganda’s leading wicket-taker with 4/49, while Alpesh Ramjani delivered an economical spell of 2/27 from 10 overs. Henry Ssenyondo, Joseph Baguma and Dinesh Nakrani also claimed a wicket apiece.
Italy were reduced to 161/8 in 46.3 overs, leaving Uganda seemingly well placed to restrict their opponents to a modest total.
However, Italy’s lower order produced a valuable late surge.
Jaspreet Singh contributed 17 from 14 deliveries, including a six, while Crishan Kalugamage remained unbeaten on 11 from nine balls.
Ali Hasan then struck a boundary from his only delivery to push Italy to 192/9 after 50 overs.
What appeared to be a chaseable target quickly became an insurmountable one.
Uganda collapse under pressure
Uganda’s reply got off to an uncertain start when Raghav Dhawan was dismissed for four.
Simon Ssesazi and Gerald Olipa briefly restored stability, taking Uganda to 43/1 and raising hopes of a controlled chase.
Instead, the innings unravelled dramatically.
Wickets fell in quick succession as Uganda struggled to negotiate Italy’s attack, eventually being dismissed for 79 in 31.1 overs.
The 113-run defeat represents Uganda’s first loss of the campaign and significantly tightens the race for the top positions.
With Italy now ahead on Net Run Rate and Hong Kong-China within striking distance, Uganda cannot afford another stumble.
The opportunity for an immediate response arrives on Wednesday.
NEXT FIXTURE
🇺🇬 Uganda vs Hong Kong-China 🇭🇰
📅 Wednesday, August 12, 2026
🕘 9:00 am EAT
📍 NTS Ground, TCA Arena – UDSM, Dar es Salaam
