Mahatlane credits Cricket Cranes' character despite defeat in Qatar

Cricket Cranes players in Qatar. (courtesy)

CRICKET Mahatlane credits Cricket Cranes' character despite defeat in Qatar

Peter Tabu 12:39 - 17.03.2023

Head coach Lawrence Mahatlane credits the Cricket Cranes for showing character but admits that the Qataris bowled well.

The Cricket Cranes got their four one-day internationals tour in Qatar on a losing note following their 10-run loss to the hosts on Wednesday at the Doha University of Science and Technology.

Uganda won the toss and opted to field. However, the hosts got stuck in racing to 77/0 before the slow left-arm bowlers Henry Ssenyondo (2/13) and Alpesh Ramjani (4/28) pegged them back to finish on 250/9.

In response, Uganda were 240 all out after 43 overs falling short by ten runs.

The middle-order contributions from Riazat Ali Shah (84), Alpesh Ramjani (65) and Ronak Patel (33) gave the visitors a shot at chasing down the score. Still, with no contributions from the tail, the chase ended in vain.

Head coach Lawrence Mahatlane credits the Cricket Cranes for showing character but admits that the Qataris bowled well.

"The Qataris bowled well, but It's a bitter pill to swallow; I am, however, happy the boys showed character, especially the bowlers who limited Qatar after they got off to a flying start," Mahatlane told Pulse Sports.

"But it's also key to note that we haven't played one-day cricket in a while (since June 2022) because it's been more of T20 cricket for us," he added.

Uganda's batting was wanting as the Cricket Cranes lost three quick wickets: "We also struggled from the batting point of view."

"We lost three quick wickets and got soft dismissals, but generally, I am happy with how we played. Hopefully, we bounce back better on Saturday."

The Cricket Cranes will now shift their attention to their next one-day international against Qatar at the Doha University of Science and Technology on Saturday.

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