Naeem Uddin lifts ECB Blues to win over Uganda

Naeem Uddin scored a half-century to steer ECB Blues to a two-wicket victory against the touring Uganda in the first one-day match played at the Al Dhaid Cricket Village.

Uganda are in the UAE on a 10-day tour to play five 50-over games and two Twenty20 matches at the Al Dhaid Cricket Village and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, ECB rattled Uganda’s top order to restrict them to 162 for 9.

ECB Blues reached the target with nearly nine over to spare.

Uganda lost five wickets with just 29 runs on board before Lawrence Ssematimba and Mohammed Shaffique took charge to revive the downfall.

Ssematimba hit four boundaries during his 52-ball stay scoring a crucial 33 while Shaffique added 21 from 43 deliveries consisting of two fours.

Despite an easy target, ECB fumbled early losing two quick wickets but Asim Ijaz and Naeem Uddin put them on course with a superb 103-run partnership.

Asim was in a blistering form taking only 17 deliveries to reach 42 with the help of five boundaries before he retired and Naeem Uddin played a steady knock scoring 52 from 88 deliveries including six fours.

A quick three-wicket haul by Deusddit Muhumuza threatened to disturb ECB’s chase but a gritty 22 from Fayyaz Ahmed ensured ECB reached the target in 41.2 overs.

Brief scores

ECB Blues bt Uganda by 2 wickets

Uganda 162 for 9 in 50 overs (Lawrence Ssematimba 33, Mohammed Shaffique 21, Davis Karashani 32 not out, Deusdedits Muhumuza 29; Manjula Gurge 2 for 11, Fayyaz Ahmed 2 for 37). ECB Blues 163 for 8 in 41.2 overs (Asim Ijaz 42, Naeem Uddin 52, Fayyaz Ahmed 22 not out; Deusdedits 3 for 38, Brian Masaba 2 for 18). Man of the Match: Naeem Uddin.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.