The Cricket Cranes have unveiled a 16-player squad for their upcoming four-match 50-over series against Papua New Guinea (PNG). The series, which kicks off on September 18 at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe, marks Uganda’s first international engagement since the T20 World Cup in the West Indies this past June.
The series serves as a crucial preparatory phase for both teams, with PNG gearing up for the Challenge League A in Kenya next week, while Uganda will be preparing for their Challenge League B campaign in Kampala this November. Notably, Uganda and PNG faced off in the same Group C at the T20 World Cup, with Uganda securing a historic 3-wicket victory over PNG.
Cricket Cranes Head Coach Abhay Sharma emphasized the importance of experimentation in this series. “This is a preparation series for our upcoming tournament. We have to try different combinations and players and we are not thinking about the results now. We want to get the right players and combinations for future tournaments. Despite challenges with our preparations, particularly with skills sessions, I am confident the boys will give their best on the field to make Ugandans proud,” Sharma stated.
The tour schedule includes five matches between September 18 and 22, with a rest day on September 20. The series will conclude with departure on September 23.
Cricket Cranes Squad: 1. Brian Masaba, 2. Riazat Ali Shah, 3. Simon Ssesazi, 4. Alpesh Ramjani, 5. Juma Miyagi, 6. Cosmas Kyewuta, 7. Shrideep Mangela, 8. Raghav Dhawan, 9. Henry Ssenyondo, 10. Frank Nsubuga, 11. Cyrus Kakuru, 12. Fred Achelam, 13. Robinson Obuya, 14. Shaaf Mohammad, 16. Pascal Murungi.
PNG Squad: 1. Assadollah Vala, 2. Tony Ura, 3. Sese Bau, 4. Kabau Morea, 5. Nosaina Pokana, 6. Alei Nao, 7. Charles Amini, 8. Kipling Doriga, 9. John Kariko, 10. Hila Vare, 11. Hiri Hiri, 12. Gaudi Toka, 13. Patrick Nou, 14. Michael Charlie.
