Uganda’s Cricket Cranes delivered a clinical, spin-driven performance to dismantle hosts Tanzania by 90 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, making a statement start to the decisive final leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Dar es Salaam.
The victory, however, was sculpted as much by patience as it was by skill.
After a rain-interrupted first innings forced a three-hour delay and reduced the contest to 20 overs, Uganda recalibrated superbly to post 142/8— a total later adjusted to 161 under DLS, setting Tanzania a target of 162.
Raghav Dhawan anchored the effort with a brisk 43 off 30 balls, while Simon Ssesazi added a measured 35 from 40 deliveries.
Sumeet Verma’s 18 and late lower-order contributions ensured Uganda crossed the 140-mark despite losing eight wickets in their final 14.3 overs.
Earlier, captain Riazat Ali Shah had set the tone by opting to bat after winning the toss at the Estim Ground, TCA Arena – UDSM.
Uganda raced to 51 without loss in just 5.3 overs before the weather intervened, forcing an early lunch and leaving players and spectators in suspense.
When play resumed, ground staff worked relentlessly to make conditions playable, even resorting to sawdust to absorb moisture—allowing match officials Langton Rusere and Iknow Chabi, under the supervision of referee Owen Chirombe, to sanction a shortened but result-bearing contest.
But if the rain dictated the tempo, Uganda’s spinners dictated the outcome.
Henry Ssenyondo produced a spell of rare control and incision, returning 3/7 in four overs—his most economical and impactful performance in List A internationals—earning him a deserved Player of the Match accolade.
Joseph Baguma matched the intensity with 3/13, including a maiden, while Verma chipped in with 2/6 and Dinesh Nakrani claimed one wicket.
Tanzania’s chase never gained traction.
Despite a brief spark from Dhrumit Mehta, who struck a quickfire 24 off 15 balls, the hosts collapsed dramatically once he fell at 30/1.
The innings spiralled from 44/5 to 62/9, before being bundled out for a paltry 71 in 17.4 overs.
The Cricket Cranes now shift focus to their next assignment against Italy on Tuesday, 11 August, at the NTS Ground, before returning the following day to face Hong Kong-China at the same venue.
