UGANDA secured fifth place in the Africa Qualifier with a commanding 66-run victory over Nigeria at Takashinga Cricket Club.
Uganda’s innings began shakily after losing both openers cheaply, but the middle order steadied the ship through Gaurav Tomar, who struck 33 off 25 balls, and Sumeet Verma, who added a brisk 33 off 18. Their efforts laid the foundation for Shah to unleash a blistering assault.
The allrounder smashed an unbeaten 66 from just 30 deliveries, decorated with six fours and four sixes, and together with Dinesh Nakrani (23 not out off 15), he stitched an unbroken 66-run stand for the eighth wicket. That late surge propelled Uganda to 196 for seven in their 20 overs. Nigeria’s Sylvester Okpe offered resistance with the ball, finishing with two for 31.
Nigeria’s chase never found momentum. Isaac Danladi (17), Vincent Adewoye (16), and Okpe himself (29 not out off 27) showed glimpses of fight, but the Ugandan bowlers were relentless. Henry Ssenyondo was the pick of the attack with three for 12 in his four overs, well supported by Alpesh Ramjani (2/17) and Juma Miyagi (1/24), as Nigeria were restricted to 130 for seven.
