Uganda’s national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, is set to take on Bahrain in a three-match series beginning tomorrow, October 28, at the Jinja Senior Secondary School Oval.
The series includes two T20 Internationals, each carrying valuable global ranking points, and will culminate in a 50-over match on October 31.
This series acts as critical preparation for Uganda as they get ready to host the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League (CWCCL) B, which kicks off on November 4 in Lugogo and Entebbe.
The Cricket Cranes have been based in Jinja since October 22, participating in an intensive training regimen. The program has included in-house trial matches, gym sessions at Hared Health Club, swimming drills at Jinja Club, and rigorous net sessions at the Jinja SS Oval.
Head Coach Abhay Sharma is expected to rotate players throughout the series, possibly incorporating members of Uganda’s ‘A’ squad, as he finalizes his roster for the upcoming CWCCL B tournament.
“Our camp in Jinja has been instrumental in building momentum,” said Sharma, emphasizing the focus on preparing each player for their specific role in the Challenge League. He added, “This series is about ensuring everyone is sharp and ready to contribute.”
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang and High-Performance Consultant Craig Williams are also working alongside the team, with support from fitness specialist Emmanuela Oroma and physiotherapist Ghalena Udaka.
This team of experts is dedicated to maintaining the players’ physical fitness and recovery, which is crucial as they prepare for the international competition.
Williams shared the team’s batting strategy, emphasizing a methodical approach: “The batters must stay compact, prioritize singles, and look for boundaries only when they’re on offer.”
The two T20 matches are anticipated to provide a challenging test for both teams, with the 50-over match serving as a preview of what to expect as the Challenge League B tournament approaches on November 6.
Match Schedule:
1st T20 – October 28, 1:30 PM at Jinja SS Oval
2nd T20 – October 29, 2:00 PM at Jinja SS Oval
One-Day Match – October 31, 10:00 AM at Jinja SS Oval
