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Uganda’s Cricket Cranes made a flying start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign after registering a commanding 87-run victory over Zambia in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gerald Olipa produced a brilliant batting display with 82 runs off just 42 deliveries before Joseph Baguma picked up four wickets as Uganda comfortably defended a total of 195/6 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Uganda suffered an early setback when Robinson Obuya was dismissed for just one run in the opening over.
Raghav Dhawan steadied the innings with 23 off 16 balls before captain Riazat Ali Shah injected some momentum, smashing 38 from only 20 deliveries, including five fours and a six.
Sumeet Verma chipped in with 21, but it was Olipa who took control of the innings.
The right-hander punished the Zambian bowling attack with an explosive knock of 82 from 42 balls, hitting five fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 195.23.
Olipa, who was given a lifeline after being dropped on 55, made Zambia pay before Ismail Kara eventually bowled him in the 19th over.
Juma Miyaji then provided a late boost with an unbeaten 11 from only three deliveries as Uganda closed their 20 overs on an imposing 195/6.
Zambia never really settled in their chase.
Joyeb Chand offered some resistance with 38 off 28 balls, while Jakir Patel contributed 23, but Uganda continued to strike regularly to prevent their opponents from building any meaningful partnerships.
Baguma led the damage with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Miyaji marked his 50th T20 International appearance with impressive figures of 3/17 from three overs.
Alpesh Ramjani also played his part with 2/13 from four overs, while Enock Kasaija picked up the remaining wicket as Zambia were bowled out for 108 in 17.3 overs.
The emphatic result handed Uganda an 87-run victory and the perfect start to their qualification campaign.
Olipa was named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings.
The Cricket Cranes will now turn their attention to Lesotho, whom they face on Wednesday, October 21 at 11:30am EAT at NCF Oval 2 in Abuja.
Uganda will then face The Gambia on October 23, Mozambique on October 24 and hosts Nigeria on October 25.
The top two teams from the six-nation qualifier will progress to the Africa Regional Final as the journey towards qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup continues.
