Uganda 204, Bahrain win by four wickets as Cricket Cranes qualify

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes were beaten by Bahrain by four wickets after scoring 204 in their final Challenge League B match in Tanzania. The defeat was Uganda’s third on the final leg, but they still secured passage to the next stage of the qualifying process.

The result was enough because Italy defeated Hong Kong China in the other decisive match. Hong Kong had been competing with Uganda for second place, but their loss allowed the Cricket Cranes to retain the position that carries promotion to the next level.

Uganda’s total was built around two important half-centuries. Raghav Dhawan made 80, while Riazat Ali Shah contributed 61, giving the innings a strong base. The rest of the batting line-up could not provide enough additional runs to give Uganda a more commanding score.

Bahrain’s chase was shaped by a 74-run partnership for the second wicket. Uganda kept the match alive and forced the contest into the closing stages, but Bahrain avoided a collapse and stayed in control of the required scoring rate.

Fiaz Ahmed finished the job for Bahrain with an unbeaten 78. He struck the runs that completed the chase in the final over, condemning Uganda to another defeat while ending Bahrain’s campaign with a win.

Uganda’s two victories on the final leg came against hosts Tanzania and Singapore. Those results, combined with Hong Kong China’s loss to Italy, were sufficient for second place despite a disappointing overall showing in the decisive matches.

The campaign exposed weaknesses among several of Uganda’s leading players, particularly when results were at stake. The Cricket Cranes will need a stronger collective performance at the next level if they are to make progress in the qualification pathway.