By 
In the first match of the ACA T20 Africa Cup, Uganda’s Cricket Cranes faced a setback, succumbing to a surprising defeat against Rwanda.
The loss was not only a blow to Uganda’s pursuit of defending their Africa Cup Title T20 in South Africa but also marked a historic moment for Rwanda, claiming their first-ever victory against the formidable Cricket Cranes.
Captain Brian Masaba’s decision to put Rwanda to bat first seemed strategic, yet Rwanda managed to post a competitive score of 115/9, largely fueled by notable contributions from Zappy Bimenyimana (20 off 11) and Hamza Khan (19 off 15).
Uganda’s bowling showcased exceptional performances, particularly Henry Senyondo’s impressive figures of 3/12 and Jonathan Sebanja’s 2/43.
Uganda’s chase began promisingly with Simon Ssesazi partnering with Roger Mukasa, who blazed a quickfire 36 runs before an unfortunate run-out.
The subsequent dismissals of Obuya Robinson and Dinesh Nakrani left the lower order with a hefty task to secure victory.
The match took a decisive turn in the final over when Uganda needed three runs from four balls.
However, a miscalculated attempt to hit a boundary by Sebanja, instead of rotating the strike, and the swift dismissal of Henry Ssenyondo on the first delivery, resulted in Uganda falling short by a mere two runs.
Coach Jackson Ogwang acknowledged the team’s overconfidence after their T20 World Cup qualification, highlighting a lack of concentration and complacency as factors contributing to the defeat, he praised Rwanda’s resilience and urged deep reflection within the squad, emphasizing the arduous journey ahead.
Cricket Cranes head coach Jackson Ogwang.
Expressing disappointment in some players deviating from the game plan, especially the run-outs indicating a lack of focus, Ogwang remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rebound and reclaim their glory in the tournament.
As the Cricket Cranes regroup, they aim to learn from this setback and refocus their efforts to secure victories in the remaining matches, determined to bring pride back to the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda is poised for a swift comeback as they gear up to face Malawi in their upcoming match tomorrow morning.
This critical encounter presents an opportunity for the Cricket Cranes to rebound from yesterday’s setback and demonstrate resilience on the field.
With lessons learned from their previous match against Rwanda, Uganda aims to showcase tactical prowess and a renewed determination to secure victory against Mozambique.
The team’s strategic approach and potential adjustments will undoubtedly add intrigue to this anticipated fixture in the ACA T20 Africa Cup.
