The T20 format at the ongoing Bilateral Castle Lite Series in Namibia ended with the Cricket Cranes losing all four games, with the latest defeat being an 11-run loss on Sunday.
Like both game 1 and 3, Sunday’s defeat was by the narrowest of margins, but one that saw another Ugandan steal the show.
In all the Cricket Cranes’ losses, a player or two from the Ugandan colours has blossomed, and on Sunday, it was Robinson Obuya who was at the center of attention.
After Namibia tasking Uganda to chase 186, the 22-year-old who opened the batting with Ronald Lutaya fired on all cylinders. Obuya hit 2 fours and 6 sixes, and by the time his innings came to an end, he had racked up a total of 71 runs.
It was just recently on 11th June that Obuya earned his national team debut; he’s already flourishing! His highest score had been the 34 runs he got against Kenya at the Continent Cup, but on Sunday, he went a notch higher to register his first career half century.
Obuya attributed his excellence to the Namibian captain Gerhard Erasmus who he says gave him an idea of what to expect from the wicket.
“Seeing how Captain Erasmus batted and got his runs in the first innings, I learnt that the wicket was flat and was a batting track. When I also went in to bat, I just had to back myself up.
“All the boundaries I got were in my zones, so it was all about backing myself up and having that self belief. I appreciate every bit of opportunity I get to play for my country.”
Individuals have stood out in this trip, as a team though, Uganda has had to endure defeats in all forms. Last year, this Series ended 2-1; it ends 4-0 this time.
After the Sunday game, Laurence Mahatlane, the cricket cranes coach shared his detailed assessment of the games.
“Very disappointed with the end results, but if we look at it closely, we only got blown out in one of the four games. The other three games were very competitive.
“Due to some unfortunate circumstances, we got disruptions we had not planned for. Nobody can plan for death or injuries.
“But we had opportunities, and overall, I’m happy with what we came looking to do. Gain experience, confidence and give young players more opportunities in different conditions.
“I think we just didn’t find consistency in one individual, but as a group we have learnt a lot more. I’m pleased to see a lot of growth in the boys.”
Uganda will shift attention to the 50 Over format that will span two days starting on Tuesday 11th. It ended 1-1 in this format last year. Uganda will be hoping to do just that or even better when it bowls off.
