By 
Game one result
Tanzania 189/8 in 50 Overs
Uganda 116/10 in 30 Overs
Tanzania won by 73 runs
Game two result
Uganda 69 all out in 19.5
Kenya 70/3 in 34.5 overs
Kenya won by 7 Wickets
The Baby Cricket Cranes are now in a desperate fight for survival in the ongoing U-19 World Cup qualifiers in Lagos after suffering back-to-back losses to East African rivals Tanzania and Kenya.
These defeats have left Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup hanging by a thread, with the team now focusing on avoiding relegation.
Uganda’s journey in the tournament began with a challenging encounter against Tanzania at the TBS Oval.
After winning the toss, Uganda opted to field.
Their bowlers made early breakthroughs, with Dylan Thakrar dismissed for just 5 runs and Omary Ramadhan falling for 13.
Despite the early setbacks, Tanzania’s Karim Kiseto anchored their innings, crafting a patient knock that included a half-century off 83 balls.
Captain Laksh Bakrania also contributed with a steady 60 runs, helping Tanzania reach 189 runs, the highest total of the tournament thus far.
Uganda’s bowlers struggled to contain the middle order, and late resistance from Ally Hafidhi (19 off 25 balls) ensured Tanzania posted a competitive total.
In response, Uganda’s chase got off to a rocky start.
Their captain, Gerald Olipa, fell early for 11, and the middle order crumbled under pressure from Tanzania’s bowlers.
Despite a valiant effort from Devansh Patel (25 off 84 balls), Uganda was eventually bowled out for 116 runs in 39 overs, falling short by 73 runs.
Tanzania’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Agustino Mwamele and Khalidi Juma, ensured Uganda had no way back into the game.
The Baby Cricket Cranes were hoping to bounce back in their second match against Kenya today, but disaster struck once again.
Uganda won the toss and chose to bat, but the decision quickly backfired.
Neil Doshi bowled a devastating spell, claiming a hat-trick in the 5th over and leaving Uganda reeling at 8 runs for 3 wickets.
The collapse continued as Uganda lost wickets at regular intervals, with Anthony Ndungu also claiming three crucial wickets.
Despite a late surge from Ocen Peter (28 runs off 28 balls) and Balidawa Ali (16 runs off 18 balls), Uganda was bowled out for just 69 runs in 19.5 overs.
Kenya’s Krishil Patel was the standout bowler, finishing with 4 wickets for just 11 runs.
Kenya’s response was measured, and despite early breakthroughs from Uganda, the target was easily chased down.
At the end of 20 overs, Kenya had 45 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, with 7 wickets in hand, and wrapped up the victory with relative ease.
With these two losses, Uganda’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup are slim.
However, the team’s primary focus now is avoiding relegation.
Uganda will need to win their remaining three matches, starting with Sierra Leone on April 1st, to stay in the competition and prevent a drop to Division 2
