Uganda’s national men’s cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, put up an impressive show as they beat neighbours Kenya to retain their T20 Africa Cup.
Uganda won by 91 runs in a far-from-contested bout in South Africa on Tuesday.
While Kenya won the toss and subsequently bowled first, Cricket Cranes’ Simon Ssesazi got the better of the former’s skipper, Lucas Oluoch, to take 18 runs from the first over.
Henry Ssenyondo put in impressive numbers as he managed 4 of 20, with Dinesh Nakrani and Alpesh Ramjani getting the other wickets for Uganda.
It’s been an impressive tournament for the Cricket Cranes, who needed to get over the defeat to Rwanda in the first game.
They did not look back as they swept past both Malawi and Mozambique in the group they eventually topped.
Uganda then defeated Botswana by ten wickets in the semi-final, setting up a final with the Kenyans.
This is the latest leap by the Cricket Cranes, who also made it to the T20 World Cup, weeks back.
Its unimaginable days for the Uganda Cricket Association, who also witnessed the national women’s team the Victoria Pearls make it to the global qualifiers on Saturday.
Meanwhile first lady and minister of Education and Sports , Janet Kataha Museveni congratulated the team upon defending the African title in a her statement posted on X said.” We’re nearing the end of the year, and Uganda is still emerging victorious.
“Congratulations to Uganda Cricket Cranes for successfully defending the T20 Africa Cup in South Africa! May God continue to bless the talents bestowed upon you, and may your dedication and efforts always be recognized and celebrated.
Henry Senyondo wins both the Player of the match award (against Kenya) and the award for the Best Bowler of the tournament. He ends the tournament with 16 wickets.