Unbeaten Uganda stretch lead at top

Muscat: Unbeaten Uganda continued its winning streak with a comfortable 7-wicket victory against winless Bermuda while third placed Jersey made short work of Italy in a one-sided 122-run win in ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B matches at Oman Cricket’s picturesque twin grounds in Amerat.

In the earlier games on Thursday, Hong Kong eased past Jersey in a 4-wicket win, moving to second spot on the team standings, while Uganda overcame a spirited Kenya in a thrilling 3-wicket victory in the final over.

Chasing Bermuda’s modest 208 to win, Uganda raced to the target in 40.1 overs, scoring 211 for 3 thanks to Shahzad Ukani’s superb 86 and Ronal Patel’s unbeaten 72. Henry Ssenyondo was Uganda’s bowling star, taking 4 for 35 to dismiss Bermuda cheaply.

Brief scores: Bermuda 208 all out in 45.2 overs (Tre Manders 59 – 5x4, Delray Rawlins – 53 – 4x4, 2x6, Kamau Leverock 50 – 6x4, 1x6. Henry Ssenyondo 4-35, Brian Masaba 2-06) lost to Uganda 211 for 3 in 40.1 overs (Shahzad Ukani 86 – 10x4, 1x6, Ronak Patel 72 not out – 7x4, 1x6) by 7 wickets.

Nick Greenwood slammed a sizzling century (102) as Jersey registered its first win of the tournament, beating Italy by 122 runs. Jonty Jenner batted brilliantly too, scoring stylish 88. Gareth Berg and Nicholas Maiolo bagged three wickets each.

Failing to pose a serious challenge, Italy folded up for a paltry 158 in 41 overs. Joy Perera and Rehman Abdul were its only notable scorers. Ben Stevens was the pick of Jersey bowlers, taking 3 for 24.

Brief scores: Jersey 280 for 8 in 50 overs (Nick Greenwood 102 – 7x4, 3x6, Jonty Jenner 88 – 6x4, 5x6. Gareth Berg 3-32, Nicholas Maiolo 3-69) thrashed Italy 158 all out in 41 overs (Joy Perera 47 – 5x4, 2x6, Rehman Abdul 36 – 4x4. Ben Stevens 3-24, Dominic Blampied 2-25, Nat Watkins 2-28, Julius Sumerauer 2-38) by 122 runs.