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Left-arm pace bowler Ivan Baidu continues to dazzle, earning his second consecutive Player of the Match award as Uganda A defeated Zimbabwe Emerging by five wickets in the ongoing RCA Emerging Invitational Tournament in Rwanda.
Baidu’s stellar performance with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for just 14 runs in his 4 overs, underscored his growing influence on the international stage.
Baidu’s rise is as much a testament to his talent as it is to his unwavering faith and perseverance. A native of Jinja, Baidu began his cricketing journey at Jinja SS under the mentorship of coach Habib Mugalula.
From humble beginnings, he has risen through the ranks, becoming a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers in Uganda.
This year, Baidu’s contributions in the UCA Men’s League have been pivotal for his club, Jinja Association of Cricket Clubs (JACC). Opening the bowling, he played a key role in securing JACC’s historic promotion to the first division.
His journey with JACC followed stints at notable clubs such as Ceylon Lions, Patidar, Kutch Tigers, Wanderers, and Challengers.
Baidu’s breakthrough came during a training camp for the Cricket Cranes in Jinja, where he impressed head coach Abhay Sharma.
His remarkable performances in local camps, alongside teammates like Pius Oloka and Eddy Agaba, earned him an opportunity to bowl in the Bahrain series hosted in Jinja.
Baidu, who had previously represented Uganda at the U-19 level, proved his mettle during the warm up series ahead of the Challenge League B’s first round, further solidifying his place in the selectors’ minds.
The ongoing RCA Emerging Invitational Tournament has been a platform for Baidu to showcase his exceptional skills.
In the first game against Rwanda XI, Baidu delivered figures of 3/22 in 4 overs, propelling Uganda A to a dominant 7-wicket victory.
He followed this up with another match-winning performance against Zimbabwe Emerging, taking 4 wickets in 4 overs while conceding just 14 runs.
These back-to-back displays have not only secured victories for Uganda A but also highlighted Baidu’s potential as a future star for Ugandan cricket.
With momentum on their side, Uganda A is set to face Rwanda A in their next match. Meanwhile, the hosts, Rwanda XI, will look to bounce back after an 8-wicket loss to sister side Rwanda A in the tournament’s opening derby.
As Ivan Baidu continues to impress with his all-round brilliance, his journey serves as an inspiring story of determination, faith, and raw talent—one that is just beginning to unfold.
