By 
Result
Uganda under-19 Vs Kenya under-19
Kenya 147 all out in 42.5 overs
Uganda 120 all out in 33.3 overs
Kenya Under-19 won by 27 runs
The kick-off of the Easter Youth ODI Series between the Baby Cricket Cranes and Kenya Under-19 proved to be a tough opener for Uganda.
Despite a spirited effort from debutant Gurjivani Singh, who claimed five wickets for Uganda during Kenya’s innings, Uganda fell short by 27 runs in their quest to chase down Kenya’s 147-run target at Jinja SS Cricket Oval.
Gurjivani receiving the match ball after picking 5 wickets
While Uganda had opportunities to restrict Kenya to a lower score, bowling inconsistencies and a notable contribution from Arshdeep Kundi, who scored 38 runs batting at number nine, allowed Kenya to surpass the anticipated total.
Additionally, Kenya’s advantage was further bolstered by a significant tally from extras bowled by Uganda.
Struggling from the onset, Uganda lost two wickets within the first two overs, setting a challenging tone for their innings.
The partnership between debutants Mulongo Paul and Doka Abdul Shakur, who scored 42 and 23 runs respectively, provided a brief respite after the early dismissal of captain Christopher Kidega.
However, once broken, the subsequent batters struggled to make substantial contributions, resulting in Uganda’s first loss of the series.
Neel Doshi and Stian Smith showcased their bowling prowess for Kenya Under-19, each securing two wickets with remarkable economy rates of 2.67 and 2.35, respectively.
Reflecting on the match, Under-19 head coach Irungu Josephat highlighted Kenya’s adherence to their game plan as a key factor in their victory.
Both he and Kenyan captain Yash Gohil stressed the importance of securing an early win to build momentum for the remainder of the series.
As Uganda Under-19 prepares to face Rwanda Under-19, head coach Emmanuel Isaneez acknowledges the need for improvement in the team’s performance especually batting while expressing hope for a turnaround in the upcoming fixture.
It’s worth noting that Rwanda has adopted a meticulous approach to team selection, incorporating graduates from last year’s Byiruka under 17 program while retaining just three players from the previous division two qualifiers in Nigeria.
With the majority of the Rwanda Under-19 team originating from the Zonic Cricket club that plays in the RCA T20 league, they inject a distinctive energy into the competition.
Coach Adelin Tuyizere underscores the lessons gleaned from past encounters against MCC, laying the groundwork for an engaging match in the upcoming fixture.
Additionally, Rwanda views this tournament as vital preparation for the upcoming division two qualifiers slated for September in Malawi.
