Pascal Murungi made his bowling debut for the national team as the Cricket Cranes picked another victory against Botswana on Wednesday in form of a 64 run win at the Continent Cup T20-Africa tourney in Nairobi.
Murungi captained the U-19 at the World Cup last year, and was one of the Baby Cricket Cranes’ all-rounders, but despite making his senior team debut last year, the 19-year-old had not yet gotten an opportunity to bowl for the team.
That opportunity arrived today against Botswana as he alongside Dinesh Nakrani opened for Uganda. Murungi did not have to wait for so long to get his first wicket; the Fort Portal born got his first dismissal using his second ball, and it was Botswana captain Karabo Mothlanka.
His second wicket arrived in the 6th Over. At the end of the day, it was four Overs bowled for the youngster and only 16 runs conceded.
On Murungi’s bowling debut, the day belonged to the bowlers! The Man of the Match award went to Alpesh Ramjani who conceded just 9 runs from his three Overs. Alpesh claimed three wickets along the way as Uganda protected their score of 153.
Siraje Nsubuga also picked up two wickets. The youngster who made his debut against Rwanda on Match Day 3 was returning to the team after not featuring against Kenya on Tuesday.
Nakrani and team captain Brian Masaba were the other wicket takers, each with one.
The bowlers made sure to protect the 153 score that had openers Roger Mukasa and Simon Ssesazi score 31 and 30 respectively. Riazat Ali Shah (28), Pascal Murungi (19 not out), and Robinson Obuya contributed to the runs.
The win was Uganda’s fourth at the Continent Cup T20-Africa tourney ongoing at the Gymkhana Cricket Oval in Nairobi, Kenya.
Uganda return to action Thursday morning against Rwanda.
