Nigeria’s team to the Pepsi ICC Africa Division 1 Twenty20 Championship was dealt a big blow by Martin Suji’s team of Uganda as they recorded their 46-run victory and Uganda may make it even better by securing a top-two finish with victory over either Tanzania or Botswana although it is likely to be both.
Uganda has had a perfect record in the tournament despite Ronald Semanda’s absence from the team due to an on-field collision with teammate which sent the all-rounder to the hospital but nerves were calmed as news of his improvement made headlines.
Semanda was left unconscious after an accidental collision with teammate Brian Masaba in a scramble for a catch against Botswana on Monday. He was immediately taken to Case Clinic where he regained consciousness.
“The doctors said he is out of danger and he should be out of hospital in a couple of days, said Uganda coach Suji yesterday.
Semanda’s absence got the right response from his unbeaten team-mates – another win. Uganda reached 169/5 in their allotted overs, thanks to brothers Lawrence Sematimba, Frank Nsubuga and Roger Mukasa.
They scored 49, 33 and 24 runs respectively, with the red-hot Arthur Kyobe adding 39. Charles Waiswa 2/28 led Uganda’s rather blasé defence, which restricted Nigeria to 123/6 in 20 overs.
“We just have to take it one game, one ball at a time,” said Kyobe ahead of tomorrow’s fixtures.
Nigeria will be tackling Tanzania tomorrow too.
Results and Fixtures
Uganda 169/5 Nigeria 123/6
(Uganda won by 46 runs)
Wednesday, Lugogo
Uganda v Tanzania (10am)
Nigeria v Tanzania (2.30pm)
Kyambogo
Kenya v Botswana (10am)
Uganda v Botswana (2.30pm)