Uganda’s Baby Cricket Cranes produced a ruthless all-round performance at the ICC Boys U19 World Cup Qualifiers Division 2, crushing Mozambique by 384 runs at Gahanga Cricket Oval B on Monday.
After posting a formidable 410 for six in 50 overs, Uganda reduced Mozambique to just 26 all out in 25.5 overs, securing their second consecutive victory of the tournament.
The triumph was built on a spectacular batting display, led by Robert Owili, who became the first Ugandan batter to score a century at the tournament. He struck 132 from 96 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.
Owili shared a productive partnership with Samuel Ahaisibwe, who followed up his half-century against Nigeria with another impressive 77 off 53 deliveries, featuring 12 boundaries.
Uganda had endured an early setback after Devanshkumar Patel was dismissed for a duck, but Abraiz Mir Ali’s 34 and the Owili-Ahaisibwe partnership quickly restored control.
Captain Daniel Rubangakene added valuable momentum with 36 off 56 balls before Owili took centre stage.
His century arrived in the 37th over, setting the platform for a formidable finish.
Jackson Asiku contributed a brisk 22, while Richard Sohera remained unbeaten on 32 from 23 balls.
Larry Elton Itaagi provided another late surge, finishing unbeaten on 28 off just 14 deliveries as Uganda crossed the 400 mark.
Mozambique’s reply was short-lived.
The Ugandan attack dismantled the chase with remarkable efficiency, with Sohera claiming four wickets for just one run in an extraordinary spell.
Hamidu Munigwa was equally destructive, taking four for nine, while Itaagi and Asiku added a wicket apiece.
Mozambique’s 26 all out represented one of the most emphatic results of the competition, handing Uganda a 384-run victory.
Owili was named Player of the Match but credited his teammates and coaches for helping him reach the milestone.
“I would love to thank my teammates, who helped hit the century, like I wanted, and the coaches too who have done their best to push us all the way,” he said.
Uganda now have two wins from two matches and will rest on Tuesday before facing Ghana on Wednesday at the IPRC Grounds, with another strong performance potentially strengthening their push for qualification.
