- Event: ICC Challenge League B
- Host: Tanzania
- Dates: August 7 – 19
In 2022, Uganda’s Cricket Cranes headed to Jersey for the ultimate leg of the ICC Challenge League in high spot however had been susceptible as a result of Jersey and Kenya had them in sight. They wanted at the very least a win in opposition to these two to maneuver on to the worldwide qualifiers, and destiny wouldn’t have it; they misplaced to each groups and missed out on qualification by web run charge regardless of ending on the identical variety of factors as eventual group winners Jersey.
In 2026, there are similarities within the context: Uganda is high of the desk, however not out of sight from Italy and Hong Kong; the person who began the run in 2019, profitable 5 out of 5 in Oman, is now in cost on the again finish. Steve Tikolo wouldn’t need the occasions of 2022 nonetheless hanging over his staff. The distinction is now that at the very least two groups, and never one staff, transfer on to the subsequent spherical, and at the very least two wins could be sufficient to advance because the second greatest staff.
The Cricket Cranes closing 14 has little or no surprises; Riazat Ali Shah will lead the hunt in Tanzania, and Kenneth Waiswa shall be his assistant.
Waiswa earns his place again within the aspect in a format that brings out one of the best of him; he has scored massive runs within the native league for his JACC aspect, and even on his brief stint within the UK, he scored massive within the 50-Over video games.
Sumeet Verma featured within the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, however this shall be his first outing with the Cricket Cranes in 50-Over cricket. He provides extra metal to the center order and makes the tail longer together with his vary hitting and energy.
Raghav Dhawani scored probably the most runs throughout the second spherical in Hong Kong, and his partnership with Simon Ssesazi on the high shall be crucial in setting the stage.
Simon Ssesazi obtained the nod forward of Robinson Obuya, and he has been stacking up the runs this 12 months. He will not be a shock inclusion provided that in his final innings within the Challenge League he scored a century in opposition to Hong Kong. Ssesazi scored a century on the Tour to India, and he has not stopped his sizzling streak; he notched up one other century for his native membership in Rwanda, and the Cricket Cranes shall be hoping that his sizzling hand continues in Tanzania.
Dinesh Nakrani is recovering from an harm, however his all-round expertise at all times give the staff good stability. Alpesh Ramjani has been integral within the first two rounds, and he might want to proceed that good type with each ball and bat to provide Uganda the sting.
Henry Ssenyondo confirmed how a lot he’s a should slightly than an afterthought within the first leg in Uganda; he turned the sport within the fixture in opposition to Italy, and if there had been any doubts about him, he had exorcised them with that efficiency.
Fred Achellam didn’t discover quite a lot of favour with the final coach, however Steve Tikolo has given him a brand new lease of life, and he’ll share the glove duties with Cyrus Kakuru.
Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta will lead the road as traditional, however they haven’t any backup, so there’s little room for error with their health.
The shock inclusion is the teen Gerald Olipa; the S6 vacist has taken to worldwide cricket like a duck to water. He confirmed good type on the Tour to India, and that type has been rewarded. He may not get quite a lot of sport time, however he has proven that he’s not afraid of the large stage.
The Cricket Cranes will depart Uganda on August 2 and play a warm-up collection which can embrace Tanzania and Italy earlier than the primary occasion begins on August 7.
Uganda will play host Tanzania of their first sport of the match. If the Cricket Cranes can end among the many high 2 groups, they are going to qualify for the Global Qualifiers subsequent 12 months in February.
The Travelling Squad: Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Juma Miyaji, Fred Achelam (Wicketkeeper), Cyrus Kakuru (Wicketkeeper), Dinesh Nakrani, Joseph Baguma, Henry Ssenyondo, Sumeet Verma, Simon Ssesazi, Alpesh Ramjani, Kenneth Waiswa (Vice Captain), Cosmas Kyewuta, Gerald Olipa & Raghav Dhawan
Non-Travelling Reserves: Mathew Musinguzi & Robinson Obuya
