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Uganda claim first win

February 27, 2004 22:12 IST

Uganda claimed its first points of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup with a five wicket victory over Canada at the M.A. Aziz Stadium in Chittagong on Friday.

Canada elected to bat after winning the toss and put together a respectable total of 231 as they were all out in the final over. The main contributions came from middle order batsmen Trevin Bastiampillai (40), Karun Jethi (43) and Shaheed Keshvani (65).

The Uganda reply was lead by Martin Ondeko and Hamza Saleh who put on 121 for the third wicket. Saleh was run out for 50 but Ondeko remained at the crease to steer his side home with five wickets in hand.

The match concluded in the 47th over with Ondeko unbeaten on 99.

The Uganda opener was named man of the match and claimed he was not disappointed to miss out on a century.

"I was playing for the team not for myself and it was just great to win the match," said Ondeko.

"Playing cricket is my destiny and I'm really happy that we've won a game and I will savour this match and our experience in the tournament."

Canada coach Franklyn Dennis congratulated Uganda on their triumph.

"Uganda played well today and we weren't at our best," said Dennis.

"We have learnt a lot during this tournament and the experience will help us to do better in future tournaments."