Thu Dec 05 13:09:54 UTC 2024: ## Cricket Cranes Soar Past Botswana in ILT20 Opener
**Kigali, Rwanda** – Uganda’s Cricket Cranes made a commanding start to their ILT20 Continent campaign, defeating Botswana by 78 runs in their opening match in Kigali, Rwanda.
Winning the toss, Botswana opted to field first, but Uganda’s openers, Robinson Obuya (17) and Shrideep Mangela (26), provided a brisk start. However, a strong mid-innings spell from Botswana threatened to derail Uganda’s progress, reducing them to 81/5. Alpesh Ramjani’s explosive 58, including a 28-run final over, rescued the Cranes, propelling them to a respectable 164/8.
Botswana’s reply began promisingly, with Captain Karabo Mothalanka (17) and Monroux Kasselman (26) scoring freely. But the introduction of Frank Nsubuga (3/8) shifted the momentum decisively in Uganda’s favor. Tight bowling from Henry Ssenyondo (2/16) and Alpesh Ramjani (1/15) stifled Botswana’s scoring rate, leaving them far short of the target at 86 all out.
Despite a spirited performance from Botswana, the Cricket Cranes proved too strong, securing a comfortable victory. Uganda will next face Rwanda later today, December 5th.
First Piper 