The Cricket Cranes will return to Rwanda after two weeks as they face Kenya, Nigeria, and one yet to be determined opponent in the ICC Men’s T20 Africa Regional World Cup qualifiers.

Uganda will be remembering the one run win Kenya achieved over the Cranes at Lugogo before getting relegated to Division 2 of Africa.

Uganda is currently ranked 29th in the world came into the tournament as favorites but the next hurdle will matter even more.

In the Men’s T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier A, Malawi was the second highest ranked team at 59th, Ghana (66th) and Rwanda (77th).

A comfortable 10-wicket win over Malawi meant good fortune for the Cricket Cranes followed by a 63-run over the hosts Rwanda.

A 10-wicket win over Lesotho and a 6-wicket win over Eswatini showed Uganda’s quality with both the bat and ball, and when favourites Ghana were dispatched by 79 runs, Uganda was well placed for glory.

Seychelles didn’t trouble Cranes, the former winning by 95 runs to sum up a fine tournament, Dinesh Nakrani winning the player of the series award and best bowler award.

Home is the destination for Uganda but just after two weeks and the team will be back in Kigali for the finals from 15-21 November.

Match Result:
Malawi 98/7 20 overs
Uganda 101/0 11/20 overs

Uganda won by 8 wickets

The Cricket Cranes opened with a 10 wicket win over Malawi at the ICC Africa T20 World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday.

Malawi won the toss and elected to bowl 1st but they were denied scoring opportunities by a very mean cricket cranes bowling attack.

Frank Nsubuga gave away only 9 runs during his 4 over bowling spell with Malawi only managing 98/7 in their 20 overs.

Bilal Hassun, Frank Akankwasa picked two wickets while Henry Ssenyondo picked up a single wicket.

For the chase, Simon Ssesazi scored a blistering 62 runs off 39 balls and he had a good support from Saud Islam who chipped in with a patient 31.

At the IPRC ground in the morning Eswatini defeated neighbors Lesotho. The Cricket Cranes will take on hosts Rwanda tomorrow in the afternoon at the IPRC.

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes were flagged on Monday, 11th October for the first round of the Africa T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2023.

The six-team tournament will take place in Kigali, Rwanda from 14th-22nd October at Gahanga and IPRC Ovals.

Uganda will compete against five other teams for a single slot for the final continental qualifying tournament where they will join Kenya and Nigeria.

The Cricket cranes will compete against Ghana, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, and Seychelles.

Uganda will start its campaign against Malawi on 16th October and finish its round-robin against Seychelles.

Head coach Laurence Mahatlane has made two changes to the side that won the Pearl Of Africa T20 Series. Veteran Frank Nsubuga and Richard Agamire get into the side to replace Charles Waiswa and Arnold Otwani.

Players: 1. Deus Muhumuza (Captain), 2. Ronak Patel, 3. Simon Ssesazi, 4. Dinesh Nakrani, 5. Frank Akankwasa, 6. Riazat Ali Shah, 7. Kenneth Waiswa, 8. Bilal Hassun, 9. Frank Nsubuga, 10. Saud Islam, 11. Richard Agamire, 12. Henry Ssenyondo, 13. Fred Achelam (Wicketkeeper) 14. Gerald Mubiru

Reserves: 1. Arnold Otwani, 2. Jonathan Ssebanja, 3. Cosmas Kyewuta, 4. Charles Waiswa

Officials: Laurence Mahatlane (Head Coach), Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist), Alvin Bagaya (Analyst), Innocent Ndawula (Media Manager) Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager). 

Uganda’s Schedule

16 October 2021

• 2.50 pm: Malawi vs.  Uganda – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali

17 October 2021

• 2:50 pm: Rwanda vs. Uganda – IPRC Cricket Ground, Kigali

19 October 2021

• 10:30 am: Lesotho vs. Uganda – IPRC Cricket Ground, Kigali

19 October 2021

• 2:50 pm: Eswatini vs. Uganda – IPRC Cricket Ground, Kigali

21 October 2021

• 10:30 am: Ghana vs. Uganda – Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali

22 October 2021

• 2:50 pm: Seychelles vs. Uganda – IPRC Cricket Ground, Kigali

Uganda’s Minister for Education and Sports and First Lady Janet Museveni has congratulated the Baby Cricket Cranes on qualifying for the 2022 U-19 World Cup to happen in West Indies.

Museveni relayed her message via her Twitter account, congratulating the side despite their loss in the opener against Namibia.

“I have received good news coming in from Kigali, Rwanda, on the qualification of
@CricketUganda’s U-19 to the 2022 ICC World Cup in West Indies,” she wrote on her social media page.

She added; “Congratulations to the young men – you did not waver, despite not having a good start. However, you kept your eyes on the prize. To God be the glory!”

I have received good news coming in from Kigali, Rwanda, on the qualification of @CricketUganda’s U-19 to the 2022 ICC World Cup in West Indies. pic.twitter.com/Ze3QHjPCyV

— Janet K Museveni (@JanetMuseveni) October 6, 2021

Joseph Baguma (2/16) who was well backed up by Juma Miyagi (1/12) and Akram Nsubuga (1/8) restricted Tanzania to 33/5 inside 20 overs.

Captain Pascal Murungi (4/9) then cleaned up the tail with an inspired spell as Tanzania were all out for 51.

In the chase, openers Ronald Lutaaya and Ronald Opio picked up the ones and twos and despite losing their wickets, Isaac Ategeka (28) and Juma Miyagi took care of the World Cup ticket.

The Baby Cricket Cranes will be making their 3rd appearance at the U-19 World Cup after making the 2004 and 2006 U-19 World Cups.