Uganda’s Cricket Cranes suffered a heavy 173-run defeat to Namibia national cricket team in the opening match of the 50-over series at FNB Namibia Cricket Ground.
Coming off a 2-1 T20I series loss, Uganda hoped for a fresh start in the longer format but were undone by missed chances and a strong Namibian batting display.
After losing the toss, captain Riazat Ali Shah saw his side asked to field first. Uganda’s bowlers started well, restricting Namibia to 19 without loss in the first 10 overs, but failed to make an early breakthrough.
Namibia recovered strongly, with Gerhard Erasmus leading the charge with 88 off 47 balls. He was supported by Jan Frylinck, who added 44, as the hosts posted 303/8.
Uganda’s bowling was led by Cosmas Kyewuta (3/43) and Kenneth Waiswa (2/68), but 27 extras proved costly.
In reply, Uganda’s chase struggled from the start. Early wickets from Ruben Trumpelmann (4/27) and Max Heingo (2/28) reduced them to 48/5 inside 10 overs.
Lower-order efforts from Juma Miyaji (36) and Anas Mirza Baig (25) offered some resistance, but Uganda were bowled out for 130 in 30.2 overs.
Uganda will aim to recover in the second and final match of the series on March 25.
