Sports 22 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Cricket Cranes Pivot to 50-Over Series After T20 Defeat to Namibia
Uganda's Cricket Cranes suffered a 98-run loss in the T20 series decider against Namibia, exposing batting weaknesses, but now eye redemption in the upcoming two-match 50-over series starting Monday. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/cricket/focus-turns-to-50-over-code-for-cricket-cranes-5399128
Uganda’s national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, crashed to a heavy 98-run defeat against Namibia in the decisive T20 match at FNB Namibia Cricket Ground, handing the hosts a 2-1 series win.
Namibia posted 169/6 after Uganda won the toss and bowled. Cosmas Kyewuta took 2/21 and Juma Miyaji claimed 3/32, but Louren Steenkamp’s explosive 82 off 52 balls proved decisive, aided by Uganda’s extras and dropped catches.
In reply, Uganda started steadily at 19/0 but collapsed dramatically to 71 all out in 16.5 overs. Namibia’s Max Heingo starred with 4/9, earning Man of the Match, while Ruben Trumpelmann grabbed 2/7 with short-pitched aggression.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah acknowledged lapses in key moments and the need for batting leadership. Coach Steve Tikolo criticized cluster wickets and vowed drills to fix the top order’s issues. Vice-captain Miyaji called for better team batting support.
Attention now shifts to the 50-over format, with the first match against Namibia on Monday at 10:30am local time at Namibia Cricket Ground. The longer game offers a chance to build innings stability and address collapse trends.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)