The Cricket Cranes are determined to tighten their grip on the Pearl of Africa T20 Series trophy as they face arch-rivals Kenya in the highly anticipated Migingo Derby today at Entebbe Oval.
Uganda heads into the clash with momentum and confidence, riding high on four straight wins, including a dominant 28-run victory over Kenya in their earlier meeting. A fifth win would not only edge the hosts closer to the title but also knock Kenya out of contention.
Skipper Juma Miyaji, who has led from the front in his debut series at the helm, is treating the derby as a virtual final.
“It is important for us not to just win the derby again but we are looking at it like a final of sorts because it helps us to stay in contention for the title,” said Miyaji. “We will try to do the basics right and win small sessions, ball by ball and over by over. Our fans should come out and lend us that 12th man role support. They always pump us up.”
Uganda’s balanced side has displayed depth and composure throughout the tournament. Key contributions have come from the likes of Raghav Dhawan, Robinson Obuya, Dinesh Nakrani, and veteran Frank Nsubuga, who bagged the Player of the Match award in the last game with an economical 3 for 10.
Cosmas Kyewuta also shone with figures of 3 for 21 as Uganda successfully defended 157 for 5, restricting Kenya to 129 for 7.
