The Uganda Cricket Cranes completed a dominant 4-0 clean sweep of the Mumbai Tour 50-over series after defeating MCA Colts XI by 53 runs in the fourth and final match at Adani Stadium in Dahanu on Sunday.
Coach Steve Tikolo’s side capped off an impressive week in India with another disciplined all-round display, relying on spin bowling, sharp fielding and tactical execution to overpower the hosts in unfamiliar subcontinental conditions ahead of key ICC assignments later this year.
Uganda were made to work hard for victory after a promising batting effort nearly unraveled late in the innings. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the Cricket Cranes looked set for a total well beyond 230 with contributions spread across the top order.
Debutant wicketkeeper-batter Sarvesh Patil provided early momentum with an aggressive 49 off 38 balls that included eight boundaries, while fellow debutant Fahad Mutagana impressed with a composed 31 off 46 deliveries. Ronald Lutaaya added 23, with Alpesh Ramjani and Dinesh Nakrani contributing 23 and 21 respectively.
At 178 for five, Uganda appeared firmly in control before suffering a dramatic collapse. The final five wickets fell for just 16 runs as MCA Colts fought back through leg-spinner Satyam Chaudhary, who claimed outstanding figures of 5 for 33, while Shivam Gupta picked up 3 for 39.
Uganda were eventually bowled out for 194 in 44.2 overs, a total that initially looked below par on a good batting surface.
However, Uganda’s bowlers once again transformed the contest.
MCA Colts started the chase confidently and kept up with the required rate despite losing two early wickets. Pranay Kapadia anchored the innings with 52 off 68 balls, while Aryan Patil added 22 as the hosts looked comfortable at different stages.
But Uganda’s spinners gradually tightened their grip as the Adani Stadium surface began offering more turn.
Off-spinner Siraje Nsubuga controlled the scoring with figures of 1 for 14 in five overs, while left-arm spinner Alpesh Ramjani produced another economical spell of 2 for 19 in 8.2 overs to earn the Player of the Match award.
Joseph Baguma then delivered the decisive breakthroughs with figures of 3 for 37, while debutant fast bowler Enock Kasaija struck twice with the new ball to derail MCA Colts’ momentum early in the chase.
Uganda’s fielding also proved decisive, with several athletic efforts and sharp catches maintaining pressure throughout the innings as MCA Colts were eventually bowled out for 141 in 35.2 overs.
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang praised the squad’s adaptability after sealing the series sweep.
“We came here to adapt to such conditions because we will face the same in Tanzania and job well done from the lads for grabbing their opportunities and executing,” Ogwang said.
“Our homework is also right before us. We continue to work on our weaknesses like the batting at the end. We have faced quality opposition and we will continue to spread out the chances to the big squad we have here even in the T20s.”
Debutant Fahad Mutagana expressed satisfaction with his first appearance for the senior national team.
“I am happy with my shift and to finally rub shoulders with the senior men’s team players,” Mutagana said.
“I enjoyed my innings and I am happy how I adapted to playing on that surface. I would have wanted more runs but I will wait for my next chances.”
Fellow debutant Enock Kasaija also reflected on a memorable first international tour.
“My first time to fly out of Uganda and I came to India,” Kasaija said.
“I am happy with all the support I got from the guys all around especially my old boys from Nyakasura School. Also picking two wickets upfront as a pace opening bowler gives me joy because it means I can strike.”
Uganda now shifts focus to the four-match T20 leg of the Mumbai Tour as preparations continue for the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Tanzania this August and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers in Nigeria later this year.
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