Uganda’s Cricket Cranes are gearing up for a crucial leg of the ICC Challenge League B, set to take place in Hong Kong, China, from February 4-16. With the team leading the six-team table with nine points, just ahead of Italy and Hong Kong, this round will determine their fate in the qualifiers.
Two changes have been made to the squad, with Pascal Murungi and Brian Masaba making way for Joseph Baguma and Cyrus Kakuru. Kakuru, primarily a backup keeper to Fred Achellam, could also feature as a batter, while Baguma adds depth to the spin department alongside Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani, and Frank Nsubuga.
The stakes are high as the top two teams progress to the next stage, while the bottom two face relegation. Uganda’s rivals for qualification—Italy and Hong Kong—pose a significant challenge, but a strong performance could cement Uganda’s spot in the next round.
The Cricket Cranes’ squad has shown promise, with standout contributions from Riazat Ali Shah, who shone with the bat during the Kampala leg, and spinners Ssenyondo and Ramjani, who took over 20 wickets between them. Meanwhile, Dinesh Nakrani and Alpesh Ramjani have been key in stabilizing the middle order.
Uganda begins its campaign against Bahrain and concludes against Tanzania, with pivotal matches against Italy and Hong Kong set to test their mettle. Securing at least four wins could guarantee the Cricket Cranes a top-two finish.
Full Squad:
Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, Raghav Dhawan, Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, Kenneth Waiswa, Joseph Baguma, Cyrus Kakuru, Fred Achellam, Henry Ssenyondo, Frank Nsubuga, Shrideep Mangela, Robinson Obuya.
