cricket 21 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Cricket Cranes Secure Series Lead in India Amidst Learning Opportunities
The Cricket Cranes have taken a 2-0 lead in their Mumbai tour series against MCA Colts XI, despite coach Steve Tikolo emphasizing the importance of addressing dropped catches and loose play. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/cricket/cricket-cranes-finding-rhythm-in-india-furnace-5468616
The Uganda national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, have started their historic tour of Mumbai with two victories from as many matches against MCA Colts XI. Their latest win, by 33 runs on Wednesday, was powered by a stellar century from opener Simon Ssesazi and effective bowling from bowlers Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta.
Ssesazi displayed remarkable patience and skill, batting for 134 deliveries to score 124 runs. He was supported by contributions from Gerald Olipa and Dinesh Nakrani, who added 33 and 50 runs respectively. However, Uganda’s innings concluded by losing five wickets for just 45 runs in the final overs, highlighting persistent late-innings batting weaknesses.
The bowling attack, this time led by the pace department, successfully defended their total. Miyaji claimed four wickets, while Kyewuta took three, dismantling the MCA Colts XI chase led by Aadit Degaonkar’s 84.
Despite the winning start, head coach Steve Tikolo stressed that the tour’s primary objective is player development in challenging conditions. The team is using this tour to prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B and T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifiers later in the year, facing temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Captain Fred Achelam urged his younger players to focus on continuous learning and smart play as they adapt to the intense environment. The Cranes will play their third match on Friday in Dahanu, aiming to maintain their winning momentum while capitalizing on the valuable lessons from this demanding tour.