![sports-logo](https://sports.mtn.co.ug/wp-content/themes/mtn-vivid-sports/assets/images/sports-logo.png"){kind=logo}
Athletics
Netball
About MTN Sports
Cycling
Golf
More Sports
Newsroom
Rugby
- Tanzania 99/7 (20 overs)
- Uganda 105/2 15.2/20 overs
- Uganda won by 8 wickets
Cricket Cranes registered an 8-wicket win over Tanzania as the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers got underway on Tuesday at Wanderers Sports Ground in Windhoek, Namibia.
Uganda’s captain Brian Masaba won the toss and elected to put Tanzania to the bat and the decision was backed by his bowlers.
Bilal Hassun continued from where he left off during the build-up matches in Zimbabwe picking the important wicket of Ivan Selemani.
Alpesh Ramjan got three scalps and all rounder Riazat Ali Sha picked two with Henry Ssenyondo getting the other as Tanzania were limited to 99/7 in their 20 overs.
The chase for Uganda didn’t get off to a good start as Ronak Patel was dropped early but would shortly be sent to the hut with 15.
Roger Mukasa who walked on at 3 did not last either while at the other Simon Ssesazi swallowed up balls.
Riazat Sha who came on at 4 stabilised the ship with Ssesazi 31(35) feeding off his energy and the pair got Uganda over the line with 28 balls to spare.
For his performance with ball and bat, Shah who picked two wickets and blasted an unbeaten 47 off 28 was named the Man of the Match.
Cricket Cranes return to action on Friday afternoon against hosts Namibia.
Game 5: Uganda v Rwanda
Match Result:
Uganda 192/6
Rwanda 106 all out
Uganda won by 86 runs
Game 6: Uganda v Tanzania
Match RESULT:
Uganda 171/5
Tanzania 111 all out
Uganda won by 60 runs
The Cricket Cranes registered two huge wins as they defeated hosts Rwanda by 86 runs in the morning and a 60-run victory against Tanzania in the afternoon.
The Cricket Cranes batted 1st in the morning and Roger Mukasa (89) impressed Roger with over a half-century with a strike rate of over 150.
Alpesh Ramjani (32) later also pushed the Cricket Cranes to the highest score of the tournament of 192.
In the chase, Rwanda failed to mount a challenge. Alpesh Ramjani (3/20), Nsubuga Siraje (3/29) and Kenneth Waiswa (2/10) racked up the wickets.
It was Cricket Cranes who picked up a fourth win of the tournament in the searing heat by 86 runs.
In the afternoon, Roger Mukasa fell on the 1st ball of the match but his opening batting partner Simon Ssesazi (60) and Kenneth Waiswa (68) partnered to set a competitive 171.
Kenneth Waiswa (3/19) returned with the ball to further inflict damage on Tanzania and he got support from Bilal Hassun (3/21) and Jonathan Sebanja (2/12) as the Cricket Cranes picked up their fifth win of the tournament.
The Cricket Cranes with a record of five wins out of their six games as they look to defend their title. The Cricket Cranes will be back in action tomorrow against Rwanda.
Morning
Game 1: Uganda v Rwanda
Match Result:
Uganda 146/6
Rwanda 106/9
Uganda won by 40 runs.
Afternoon
Game 2: Uganda v Tanzania
Tanzania 143/8
Uganda 146/4
Uganda won by 6 wickets.
The Cricket Cranes started the East Africa Trophy T20 cup on a great note by winning both their games convincingly.
The defending champions defeated hosts Rwanda in the morning encounter winning by 40 runs.
Uganda won the toss and elected to bat 1st and it was Ronald Lutaaya who played a good hand for his 43 with support from Brian Masaba (37) and Kenneth Waiswa (22) to help the Cricket Cranes finish on 146 in their 20 overs.
The hosts had a stellar powerplay but Kenneth Waiswa’s hattrick (3/37) led to the collapse of the hosts for 106/9 in 20 overs.
In the afternoon, Tanzania won the toss and elected to bat 1st. Uganda rang changes as Jonathan Sebanja and Ronak Patel replaced Alpesh Ramjani and Pascal Murungi.
Tanzania Captain Abhik Patwa (43) stood out but some disciplined bowling by the Ugandans kept them at 143/7 in their 20 overs.
In the chase, Simon Ssesazi (50) and Roger Mukasa (37) combined for an opening stand of 70 and the damage ensured Uganda pick a 6-wicket victory.
The Cricket Cranes take on Tanzania tomorrow afternoon.
Uganda open their East Africa T20I Cup action with hosts Rwanda on Sunday and as defending champions all will be to fight for with hope of a great start.
The Cricket Cranes return to the tournament as defending champions currently ranked 23rd in the world while Rwanda and Tanzania sit 62nd and 30th respectively.
Cricket Cranes are looking to bounce back after losing the Namibia series despite showing flashes of brilliance in both the T20 and 50-over versions.
Clinton Rubagumya is likely to be the man to watch for Rwanda by virtue of being the top run-scorer for Rwanda in the East Africa T20I Cup with 130 runs at a strike rate of 160. He struck 4 sixes and 8 fours.
Uganda will most likely rely on Pascal Murungi also the top run-scorer for Uganda in the East Africa T20I Cup with 108 runs at a strike rate of 103 as well as Ronald Lutaya who piled 52 runs at a strike rate of 123.
Rwanda’s bowling department will most likely need Ignace Ntirenganya who picked up 5 wickets last term while bowling at an average of 10 and an economy rate of 5.40.
Meanwhile experienced Bilal Hassan amassed 22 wickets while bowling at an economy rate of 8.72 and an average of 16 may also be instrumental for Uganda.
Uganda’s key men will most likely not change for the second game of the day against Tanzania as the latter may rely on Abhik Patwa and Kassim Nassoro Mussa with the bat.
Johnson Nyambo supporting with the ball after picking 12 wickets while bowling at an economy rate of 10.00 and an average of 16 last term.
Squads
Uganda: Brian Masaba (Captain), Ronak Patel, Simon Ssesazi, Alpesh Ramjani, Roger Mukasa, Kenneth Waiswa, Pascal Murungi, Bilal Hassun, Ronald Lutaya, Henry Ssenyondo, Cyrus Kakuru, Jonathan Ssebanja, David Wabwire and Siraje Nsubuga
Rwanda: Clinton Rubagumya (Captain), Didier Ndikubwimana, Ignace Ntirenganya, Eric Dusingizimana, Oscar Manishimwe, Martin Akayezu, Emmanuel Sebarame, Zappy Bimenyimana, Emile Rukiriza, Wilson Niyitanga, Kevin Irakoze, Eric Niyomugaba, Orchide Tuyisenge and Israel Mugisha
Tanzania: Abhik Patwa (Captain), Kassimu Nassoro, Johnson Nyambo, Shaikh Basha, Dhrumit Mehta, Yalinde Maurice Nkanya, Ally Kimote, Jitin Pratap Singh, Sanjay Thakor, Mohamed Omary, Ivan Selemani, Mohammed Yunus, Salum Jumbe and Amal Rajeevan
Cricket Cranes coach Lawrence Mahatlane has re-echoed his commitment to remain professional despite drawing close to the end of his contract with the Uganda Cricket Association.
The former U19 South Africa U-19 cricket national team head coach will have his contract expire in October and could consider an opportunity or remain with Uganda.
According to Pulse Uganda, “Uganda Cricket Association has stalled over renewing the coach’s contract” but with the East Africa Cup in Kigali on the card, Mahatlane says he’s choosing professionalism.
“There’s always speculation,” Mahatlane told Pulse Sports on Thursday.
“From my side, I have a good management team that handles my daily affairs, and I am sure they are on top of it (contract situation); for me, it’s about coming out here and doing my job.”
“Ultimately, I ensure I stay as professional I help the players prepare for the East Africa Cup in Kigali because I still have a running contract,” Mahatlane added.”
Mahatlane took over the Cricket Cranes head coach role in October 2020 and has won about 80% of the matches in both the T-20 and 50-over formats.
The teams participating in the East Africa T20I Cup 2023 are Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. The latter two arrived in the country already ahead of opening action on Sunday.
All the matches of the tournament will be played at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali.
The East Africa T20I Cup 2023 begins with the clash between Rwanda and Uganda then Uganda against Tanzania.
Rwanda Cricket Association is hosting Uganda and Tanzania for the 2nd edition of the East Africa T20 Cup. Uganda is the defending champion and won the inaugural edition.
Rwanda will compete in the North West – East Qualifier for the T20 Africa Cup in South Africa after this tournament.
Uganda has already qualified after winning the inaugural edition of the East Africa T20I Cup.
Squads
Uganda: Brian Masaba (Captain), Ronak Patel, Simon Ssesazi, Alpesh Ramjani, Roger Mukasa, Kenneth Waiswa, Pascal Murungi, Bilal Hassun, Ronald Lutaya, Henry Ssenyondo, Cyrus Kakuru, Jonathan Ssebanja, David Wabwire and Siraje Nsubuga
Tanzania: Abhik Patwa (Captain), Kassimu Nassoro, Johnson Nyambo, Shaikh Basha, Dhrumit Mehta, Yalinde Maurice Nkanya, Ally Kimote, Jitin Pratap Singh, Sanjay Thakor, Mohamed Omary, Ivan Selemani, Mohammed Yunus, Salum Jumbe and Amal Rajeevan
Rwanda: Clinton Rubagumya (Captain), Didier Ndikubwimana, Ignace Ntirenganya, Eric Dusingizimana, Oscar Manishimwe, Martin Akayezu, Emmanuel Sebarame, Zappy Bimenyimana, Emile Rukiriza, Wilson Niyitanga, Kevin Irakoze, Eric Niyomugaba, Orchide Tuyisenge and Israel Mugisha
Fixtures
20th August 2023
Rwanda vs Uganda
Tanzania vs Uganda
21st August 2023
Rwanda vs Tanzania
Uganda vs Tanzania
22nd August 2023
Uganda vs Rwanda
Tanzania vs Rwanda
24th August 2023
Rwanda vs Uganda
Tanzania vs Uganda
25th August 2023
Rwanda vs Tanzania
Uganda vs Tanzania
27th August 2023
Uganda vs Rwanda
Tanzania vs Rwanda
28th August 2023
Rwanda vs Uganda
Tanzania vs Uganda
30th August 2023
Rwanda vs Tanzania
Uganda vs Tanzania
31st August 2023
Uganda vs Rwanda
Tanzania vs Rwanda
Cricket Cranes will return to Kigali to defend the East Africa T20 Cup in a three-nation tournament from August 20-31.
The Cricket Cranes won the tournament last December and this year’s edition will feature the same three teams; Uganda, Tanzania and hosts Rwanda.
A squad of 14 players has been named and they will travel by road tonight with all the games to be played at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium.
The selection committee has rung changes from the team that lost 6-0 in Namibia with Henry Ssenyondo and Simon Ssesazi returning.
Riazat Ali Shah is however out of this team due to an ankle injury while Frank Nsubuga is given a break due to a busy schedule ahead.
Jonathan Ssebanja and Ronak Patel return to the set-up as well the side while David Wabwire joins them to make his debut.
Siraje Nsubuga completed his full recovery from the injury he suffered in Nairobi and gets another nod at the national team.
Cosmas Kyewuta and Juma Miyagi are still recovering from injuries and so they both miss out.
The tournament will be played in a round-robin format with each side playing 12 games and the top side winning the tournament.
The Team 14: 1. Brian Masaba, 2. Kenneth Waiswa, 3. Simon Ssesazi, 4. Ronak Patel, 5. Roger Mukasa, 6. Cyrus Kakuru, 7. Pascal Murungi, 8. Henry Ssenyondo, 9. Jonathan Ssebanja, 10. David Wabwire, 11. Ronald Lutaaya, 12. Siraje Nsubuga, 13. Alpesh Ramjani, 14. Bilal Hassan
The Fixtures
| Date | Time | Home | Away | Venue |
| 8/20/2023 | 10:45AM | Rwanda | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/20/2023 | 2:45PM | Uganda | Tanzania | Gahanga |
| 8/21/2023 | 10:45AM | Tanzania | Rwanda | Gahanga |
| 8/21/2023 | 02:45PM | Uganda | Tanzania | Gahanga |
| 8/22/2023 | 10:45AM | Rwanda | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/22/2023 | 02:45PM | Tanzania | Rwanda | Gahanga |
| 1/23/2023 | REST | |||
| 8/24/2023 | 10:45AM | Uganda | Rwanda | Gahanga |
| 8/24/2023 | 02:45PM | Tanzania | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/25/2023 | 10:45AM | Rwanda | Tanzania | Gahanga |
| 8/25/2023 | 02:45PM | Tanzania | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 1/26/2023 | REST | |||
| 8/27/2023 | 10:45AM | Tanzania | Rwanda | Gahanga |
| 8/27/2023 | 02:45PM | Rwanda | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/28/2023 | 10:45AM | Tanzania | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/28/2023 | 02:45PM | Uganda | Rwanda | Gahanga |
| 1/29/2023 | REST | |||
| 8/30/2023 | 10:45AM | Tanzania | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/30/2023 | 02:45PM | Rwanda | Tanzania | Gahanga |
| 8/31/2023 | 10:45AM | Rwanda | Uganda | Gahanga |
| 8/31/2023 | 02:45PM | Tanzania | Rwanda | Gahanga |
The Uganda Cricket Cranes will not take part in the qualifiers of the ACA T20 Africa Cup final tournament after they were awarded direct entry.
The coach Laurence Mahatlane coached outfit reached this feat by virtue of being defending champions of the inaugural edition last year.
Cricket South Africa (CA) will be hosting this edition again and it will run from September 12th – 24th, 2023.
Joining Cricket Cranes will be the three (3) qualifiers from the Southern Qualifier tournament held in South Africa in May/June this year.
The remaining qualification spots will be decided from the North West – East Qualifier to be held in South Africa in September 2023, right before the start of the Finals.
The Finals will see two (2) groups of four (4) teams each, competing against each other in a single round-robin group stage format, following which the top two (2) teams from both groups will advance to the Super 4 stage of the tournament.
The top two (2) teams in the Super 4 stage will then compete in the Final on 24th September.
Baby Cricket Cranes Head Coach Isaneez Emmanuel is focused on changing structures after the outfit struggled in the Africa Qualifier for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka next year.
Uganda won only two out of 5 games, losing to Sierra Leone and Kenya in Tanzania. The side managed to finish among the top three therefore surviving relegation to Division 2.
Isaneez feels there is a lot of work to do to support the team going forward.
“It has been a learning tourney for us. As a coaching department, we believe we have a lot to do when we go back home, especially with the changing of structures. We expected a lot coming here and nothing has happened in our favour and we cannot do anything about it,” said Isaneez told Daily Monitor.
Uganda was the defending champion of these qualifiers after winning the 2021 tournament in Rwanda to qualify for the 2022 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.
Match Day 7: U-19 World Cup Qualifiers
Game 5: Uganda U-19 v Sierra Leone U-19
Match Result: Uganda 137 all out
Sierra Leone 138/9
Sierra Leone won by 1 wicket.
The Baby Cricket Cranes are risking being sent to the lower tier after they ended their World Cup qualifiers campaign on a low loss by one wicket to Sierra Leone.
The loss could cause more trouble if Sierra Leone defeats hosts Tanzania which would relegate Uganda to Div 2 in Africa.
Sierra Leone won the toss and elected to bowl 1st but the opening pair of Ronald Omara (18) and Gerald Olipa (26) put on 40.
Sierra Leone eventually broke the partnership and even sent more back to the hut only Captain Fahad Mutagana (48) offering resistance.
Uganda put on 137 in 49.3 overs with 20 runs coming in the form of extras.
In the response, Sierra Leone openers put on 43 and when the tail wagged for a partnership of 21 the West Africans held their nerve in the final over to win by 1 wicket.
Uganda came into the competition as the defending champions and this was their first game to exceed 100 runs.