Uganda’s Cricket Cranes are set to face Singapore in their second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B (CWCCLB) at the Kowloon Cricket Club on Monday morning at 4 a.m. (EAT). The team seeks to build on their strong start after a commanding 52-run victory over Bahrain in their opening match on Friday.
Under the guidance of Coach Abhay Sharma, the Cricket Cranes aim to adapt swiftly to the conditions at Kowloon, renowned for its small boundaries and spin-friendly pitches. Sharma is likely to employ a spin-heavy lineup to neutralize Singapore’s aggressive batting style.
“We need to be clinical in all aspects of the game,” said Riazat Ali Shah, captain of the Cricket Cranes. “The top five batsmen must focus on building strong partnerships to set up a formidable total. We’ve observed that defending scores below 250 can be challenging on these grounds. Our bowling and fielding also need to be sharper.”
Singapore enters the game seeking to recover from consecutive losses. The team has introduced seven new players, including seasoned all-rounder Janak Prakash, who is returning to the squad. Promising talents like Aryaveer Chaudhary, Vinoth Baskaran, Ishan Swaney, Thilipan Omaidurai, and Hari Kukreja are expected to strengthen their lineup.
Despite Uganda’s dominant seven-wicket victory over Singapore in the first leg of the Challenge League B in Entebbe, Singapore’s captain Manpreet Singh remains optimistic. “We respect every opponent. But in cricket, there’s always room for surprises. We will enjoy our game against Uganda,” he remarked.
Adding to Uganda’s confidence is the return of opening batsman Shrideep Mangela, who had been declared fit after sustaining a head injury in the Bahrain match. The Cricket Cranes are determined to maintain their momentum and secure a second consecutive victory.
In the day’s other fixture, Tanzania will take on Bahrain at Mission Road Ground in a battle of evenly matched teams.
Fixtures – Monday, February 10 (4 a.m. EAT):
Singapore vs. Uganda, Kowloon Cricket Club
Bahrain vs. Tanzania, Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok
Probable Uganda XI:
Riazat Ali Shah (c), Raghav Dhawan, Fred Achellam, Shrideep Mangela, Juma Miyaji, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Henry Ssenyondo, Kenneth Waiswa
12th Man: Cosmas Kyewuta.
