The Cricket Cranes’ journey in the T20 World Cup concluded with a 9-wicket defeat to New Zealand. Despite their spirited effort, Uganda managed only one historic win against Papua New Guinea from their four games in the tournament.
In their final match, Uganda was bowled out for a mere 40 runs, succumbing to New Zealand’s superior bowling attack. Trent Boult and Tim Southee dominated the early overs, with Boult taking 3 wickets for just 4 runs and Southee claiming 2 for 7.
Boult’s inswinging deliveries and Southee’s stump-targeting precision left Uganda’s inexperienced batters struggling.
Uganda’s innings saw them losing wickets rapidly, with only Kenneth Waiswa reaching double figures. The team managed just three boundaries throughout their innings, unable to counter the quality of New Zealand’s bowling.
Boult and Southee’s early burst left Uganda at 9 for 3, and the middle order was dismantled by spinners Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra, alongside Lockie Ferguson’s pace.
New Zealand chased down the modest target in 5.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Although the pursuit wasn’t boundary-laden, singles and twos sufficed to reach the target. Devon Conway remained unbeaten with 22 runs, sealing the win with back-to-back boundaries off Juma Miyagi.
The Cricket Cranes’ exit from the T20 World Cup marks the end of a challenging campaign, highlighted by their historic victory against Papua New Guinea but underscored by the daunting challenge of competing against top-tier teams like New Zealand.
