The Cricket Cranes secured their place in the 2027 World Cup Qualifier Play-off after a disappointing 204-run loss to Bahrain in Dar es Salaam. Uganda aimed to maintain momentum after defeating Tanzania earlier but crumbled late, conceding 209/6 in 49.4 overs. Northern Ireland’s Raghav Dhawan anchored the innings with 80 while captain Riazat Ali Shah chipped in 61, pushing Uganda to 195/5.
Host disintegration followed—a 45-run collapse for just nine runs in the last 21 balls left Uganda vulnerable. Bahrain chased steadily, relying on Fiaz Ahmed’s 78 from 121 balls and Asif Ali’s 51. Raiders’ bowlers, including Ramjani (2-34) and Joseph Baguma (2-31), kept the game razor-thin.
Fielding blunders and missed run-outs handed Bahrain vital breathing space. With two overs left, Bahrain needed only six runs to edge through. Despite Ramjani conceding a no-ball and lapse in death bowling, Bahrain cruised home.
Uganda’s standing in the U49 standings slides to second on 22 points—four behind Italy—but their World Cup dream remains alive. The Crane’s miss the chance to outmaneuver Bahrain in their final must-win match, extending their Dar loss streak to three in four. Kenya’s earlier victory over Hong Kong China boosted their title hopes.
Talking Point: Is Uganda’s two-wicket margin against Bahrain — and missed opportunities — enough to excuse their World Cup qualification trajectory? Critics argue Riazat’s aggressive style left Col Ouma exposed, while supporters point to Bahrain’s grit as the decisive factor.
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Source: ChimpReports
