Africa T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Friday Fixtures
Namibia vs Kenya – 9:30am, Lugogo
Ghana vs Botswana – 9:30am, Kyambogo
Nigeria vs Uganda – 1:50pm, Lugogo
The Africa T20 World Cup Qualifiers are set to climax this Friday in Kampala at Lugogo and Kyambogo cricket ovals save for rainfall interruption.
Uganda Cricket Cranes lost two of their three fixtures so far that put their qualification dreams hanging.
Uganda won the opening fixture against Botswana but slipped against Namibia and Kenya respectively. Uganda lost to Kenya by one run (Kenya 145/6 vs Uganda 144/9) at Lugogo on Wednesday to the disappointment of a huge crowd that turned up.
Cricket Cranes Coach Steve Tikolo is disappointed after another false ICC outing after the 2017 Division Three collapse.
“Against Kenya, we played well especially bowling wise. I am very disappointed that we lost and such slim losses really hurt,” Tikolo reflected on Kenya loss. Tikolo revealed that about two overs cost his side against Kenya. “If Dinesh Nakrani had batted two more overs, I am sure we would have won. He played well and his exit cost us. The 17th and 18th over swung the game away to Kenya’s favor,” added Tikolo.
On Tuesday, Uganda had kept Namibia at bay and regulated them to 53 for 4 after overs. They later let the game slip off with the Eagles managing 166 for 7 and later won by 42 runs.
Against Kenya, youthful sensation Rogers Olipa was handed a senior debut and he picked a wicket but had a battling collapse. Uganda plays West African giants Nigeria on Friday afternoon in Lugogo, who edged Ghana.
After beating Botswana by 10 wickets (with 97 balls to spare) on Wednesday, Namibia remains favorites to come atop.
Uganda’s Africa T20 Squad
Roger Mukasa (Captain), Arnold Otwani, Hamu Kayondo, Zephaniah Arinaitwe, Dinesh Nakrani, Riazat Ali Shah, Deus Muhumuza, Rogers Olipa, Charles Waiswa, Frank Nsubuga, Emmanuel Isaneez, Henry Ssenyondo, Brian Masaba (Vice-captain), Fred Achelam
Reserves: Jonathan Ssebanja, Simon Ssesazi
