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Uganda returned to winning ways in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B with an eight-wicket victory over Singapore at the Estim Ground, TCA Arena, University of Dar es Salaam.
The Cricket Cranes had entered the match after two consecutive defeats, but produced a controlled performance to keep their qualification hopes firmly alive.
Singapore were dismissed for 175 from their 40 overs after rain reduced the match. Uganda needed only 32.5 overs to reach 176 for two, securing the points with 43 balls remaining.
The result takes Uganda to 22 points, level with Italy at the top of the table. Italy remain ahead on net run rate, while Hong Kong-China are two points behind on 20.
Juma Miyaji was particularly effective with the new ball, finishing with four wickets for 22 runs from eight overs. Kenneth Waiswa and Joseph Baguma took three wickets apiece.
Singapore lost three wickets for 22 runs before Manpreet Singh and Raheel Thakkar began the recovery. Singh top-scored with 50, while Thakkar contributed 33.
Their partnership helped Singapore move to 85 for four at the halfway stage and 125 for five after 30 overs. Uganda then tightened their bowling and removed the remaining wickets to bring the innings to an end at 175.
The target presented little difficulty for Uganda.
Raghav Dhawan and Simon Ssesazi provided a solid start, putting on 107 for the first wicket. Ssesazi made 37 from 59 deliveries before Chandramouli Sridev ended the partnership.
Gerald Olipa then added momentum to the innings. The young right-hander scored 40 from 30 balls, including five fours and a six, and shared a 50-run partnership with Dhawan.
When Olipa was dismissed with Uganda on 157 for two, only 19 runs were required.
Dhawan remained unbeaten on 77 from 97 balls and finished the chase alongside vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa. His innings included eight fours and a six, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Speaking after the game, Dhawan said Uganda had to remain patient after the setbacks in their previous matches.
“We badly needed this victory. After the last two games, the important thing was to settle ourselves and build a proper partnership,” he said.
Dhawan also praised Ssesazi for helping establish the opening stand and Olipa for his aggressive contribution.
For assistant coach Jackson Ogwang, the team’s ability to stick to its plans was crucial.
“The boys have shown a lot of fight. We had our KPIs going into the game and we ticked them off,” Ogwang said.
He singled out Miyaji’s opening spell as a major factor in putting Singapore under pressure.
“Juma was outstanding with the new ball. His pace and discipline created early havoc and put Singapore under pressure from the beginning.”
Uganda now have one match remaining in the competition, against Bahrain on August 18.
Italy have two matches left, against Hong Kong-China on August 17 and Tanzania on August 18. With the top two teams advancing to the next stage of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup qualification pathway, the final fixtures will determine who moves forward.
For Uganda, the immediate task is Bahrain. Another win would strengthen their position and could prove decisive in the race for qualification.
