Uganda 206/6
Kenya 100/9
Uganda won by 106 runs
The Cricket Cranes wrapped up their African Games campaign with a bronze medal following their emphatic 106- run win against rivals Kenya on Saturday.
In a game that Kenyan legend Collins Obuya called it quits-a career that began in 2001-, the Simbas served no contest for their arch rivals.
It was a one sided match that witnessed both Simon Ssesazi (66) and Dinesh Nakrani (51) record half centuries. Nakrani’s batting throughout the tournament had been below his standard, but he saved the best for the last, turning up with a quick half century.
Roger Mukasa contributed 25 runs to the scorecard which took his tally to 230- the most runs by an individual in this competition.
Clive Madande from Zimbabwe will have to score 120 runs against Namibia in the gold medal match if he is to deny the Ugandan the Best Batter Award.
The trio of Robinson Obuya and Cosmas Kyewuta were instrumental as well on Saturday. The former fired a quick 28 while the latter picked four wickets.
Alpesh Ramjani picked one wicket, but he has an opportunity to finish as the tournament best bowler. He currently leads the bowling chart with 13 wickets, three ahead of Owen Muzondo from Zimbabwe. Muzondo will need to pick four in the final to upstage the Ugandan.
Uganda walked away with a medal, but this match will be remembered for ages as it is one that witnessed Obuya hang his boots up.
The 42-year-old who’s international debut came in 2001 got ducked in his final game, but totalled 184 runs. He will, ceteris paribus finish second in the batting chart.
Kenya who were tasked to chase 206 managed to put on board only 100 runs while losing nine wickets.
It could’ve been worse for the Simbas, but the partnership of the team vice captain Lucas Ndandason (19) and former captain Shem Ngoche (19) inspired the side to that century.
The win makes it six for Uganda in these sides’ last seven meetings, and the third successive time Kenya is losing terribly to their neighbors.
