UGANDA’s bid for early dominance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final suffered a major blow when they fell to a shock nine-run defeat against Tanzania on Sunday at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
Chasing a modest 129, the Cricket Cranes stuttered under the lights, finishing on 119 for nine in their 20 overs, undone by a masterful spell from Khalidy Juma, who returned match-winning figures of four for 13.
Earlier, Tanzania posted 128 for six after being sent in to bat. Skipper Abhik Patwa gave them early momentum with a blistering 30 off 17 balls, while Mukesh Suthar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 from 32 deliveries. Despite Uganda’s spinners led by Alpesh Ramjani (2 for 15) and Dinesh Nakrani (1 for 16) reining in the scoring through the middle overs, Tanzania held their nerve to set a tricky total on a slow surface.
Uganda’s reply started brightly, with Ronald Lutaaya blasting 17 off 8 balls and opener Raghav Dhawan compiling a steady 39 from 37. At 80 for two in the tenth over, the chase looked firmly under control. But once Dhawan departed, Uganda’s middle order crumbled.
Juma turned the game on its head in the death overs, dismissing Nakrani, captain Riazat Ali Shah, and Alpesh Ramjani in quick succession before adding Juma Miyagi to his tally. From 104 for three, Uganda slid to 109 for seven, leaving too much for the tail to do.
Despite a few late swings from the lower order, Tanzania’s bowlers closed the game out with precision. Ally Kimote chipped in with two wickets, while Ajith Augastin claimed two for 15, including the key scalp of wicketkeeper Gaurav Tomar.
