Match Summary

PNG 176 all out

Uganda 95/9

PNG won by 81 runs

Papua New Guinea drew first blood against hosts Uganda with an opening win of 81 runs against the Cricket Cranes at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe.

Riazat Ali Shah led the Cricket Cranes for the first time in 50-Over cricket as the team continues to look within for new leaders. Mangela Shrideep and Raghav Dhawan were given their first taste of international cricket in Uganda colours.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first. Tony Ura (42) and Sese Bau (40) put on an opening stand of 76 before Henry Ssenyondo broke through for the hosts.

Uganda was very disciplined with the ball especially the slow bowling options of Henry Ssenyondo (4/24), Frank Nsubuga (1/35), and Alpesh Ramjani (1/37) not allowing PNG to get away eventually finishing on 176 in 48.5 overs.

In the run chase, Uganda lost its openers very cheaply with Simon Ssesazi and Cyrus Kakuru sent back for early showers.

Uganda never recovered from that situation and only some rear guard resistance from Frank Nsubuga (25), Dinesh Nakrani (21), and Alpesh Ramjani (20) made the score respectful.

The Cricket Cranes were good with the ball and in the field but some poor shot selection let them down in the run chase.

The lessons from Coach Abhay Sharma will need to be taken in quickly as they face the same opponent tomorrow.

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