03 December 2024 | Cricket

Cricket Cranes are back in action this week, determined to end the year on a high as they prepare to defend their title at the T20 Africa Continental Cup.

The tournament, scheduled to take place from December 4–14, 2024, at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, will see Uganda compete against Botswana, Nigeria, and hosts Rwanda in a round-robin format culminating in a December 14 final.

Having lifted the trophy last year in a nail-biting one-run victory over Kenya at the Nairobi Gymkhana Oval, Uganda aims to replicate their success despite Kenya's withdrawal from this year’s competition.

Fresh from securing the Rwanda Emerging Nations T20 Cup with the Uganda A side, the selectors have made two changes to the senior squad. Left-hand opening batsman Simon Ssesazi, finger spinner Joseph Baguma, and batting all-rounder Pascal Murungi have been recalled.

Chairman of Selectors Nehal Bibodi explained; “We are giving younger players more opportunities for exposure. Pascal Murungi’s inclusion is to prepare him for the future, while experienced players like Kenneth Waiswa remain integral to the team despite being left out now. Joseph Baguma continues to impress us with his potential for a long and promising career.”

Coach Abhay Sharma emphasized the team’s focus on preparation and adaptability: “Our aim is to test various players in different positions and combinations to find the best fit for the coming challenges, especially with an eye on next year’s ICC Africa T20 World Cup Qualifier Final. By focusing on planning, preparation, and execution, we believe success will follow.”

Led by Riazat Ali Shah, the team is ready for an exciting schedule of matches, starting with their opening game against Botswana tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2.15pm.

TEAM UGANDA

Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Pascal Murungi, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Dinesh Nakrani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Alpesh Ramjani, Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Fred Achelam, Shrideep Mangela, Joseph Baguma, Simon Ssesazi, Juma Miyaji.

TEAMS PARTICIPATING:

1. UGANDA
2. NIGERIA
3. BOTSWANA
4. RWANDA

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