Lady Cricket Cranes promise good display at Kwibuka T20 Tournament
The Uganda women’s national cricket team, Lady Cricket Cranes were on Wednesday flagged off for the seventh edition of the Kwibuka Women’s International Twenty20 tournament slated for June 4th – 10th in Rwanda.
The team leaves for Kigali on Thursday, 3rd June at 10p.m aboard RwandAir and upon arrival, the contingent will quarantine for a day before facing Botswana on 6th June in their first outing.
Lady Cricket Cranes Captain, Naomi Kayondo believes that her side will put up a good show in Kigali following a good buildup to the annual event.
“As always, we’re very excited to be playing at this event. I believe we will be able to perform well at the tournament because the players are in good shape having done a great job in the buildup,” Kayondo said.
“I believe everybody will do thier best and possibly we can emerge champions. We had successful trial games including with males and now we’re good to go,” Kayondo added.
Ever since it’s inception in 2014, Lady Cricket Cranes have been a permanent stay at the event though the 2020 staging wasn’t held due to Covid-19 disruptions. However, they picked overall honours in 2014 and 2016.
The tournament is an international ranking event for ICC having attained such status in 2019. Then, Ugandan pair of Proscovia Alako and Rita Musamali combined for a world record partnership against Mali.
This year, Botswana, Nigeria and Namibia will make their debuts in the tournament with hosts Rwanda, Uganda and three-time winners Kenya all in the mix, but defending champions Tanzania won’t join the party.
Lady Cricket Cranes are ranked highest (18th) by ICC amongst participants but neighbors and record winners Kenya including Namibia are the other sides to look out for.
Lady Cricket Cranes travelling Squad
Players: Kevin Awino, Damalie Busingye, Rachael Ntono, Proscovia Alako, Rita Musamali, Naomi Kayondo (Captain), Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Janet Mbabazi, Consy Aweko, Irene Alumo, Mary Akello, Evelyn Anyipo, Gloria Obukor, Shakira Sadick, Patricia Malemikia, Rachael Acan, Eunice Kobusingye, Teddy Ayella, Esther Ilukor
