Zimbabwe will be hosting eight teams for the ICC men’s T20 world cup qualifier B from the 11th to 17th of July in the city of Bulawayo at the Bulawayo Athletic club Sports grounds and Queens Sports Club Stadium.
Part of the eight is Uganda whose senior Cricket team was flagged off today in Kampala to battle for one of the two spots in round one of the 2022 T20 world cup to be held in Australia.
The other countries are, Zimbabwe (Host), Singapore, Papua New Guinea, USA, Hong Kong, Jersey, and Netherlands.
Clustered in group B, Uganda once again confront Hong Kong in their maiden game of the competition, an opponent who beat them not long ago in Kampala.
In game two, the cricket cranes will play Papua New Guinea followed by Netherlands in game three to conclude their group games.
“We know the job we are heading into and we are going there with pride since we have put in alot of hardwork to reach here.” Brian Masaba said at the flag off.
“We are going to try hard and get to the world cup.” The captain guaranteed.
National Council of Sports General Secretary David Katende was accompanied by Uganda’s cricket CEO Alan Mugume and Plascon’s Managing Director Santosh Gumte, to wave off the team.
David Katende urged the team to utilize this campaign as a build up for the third round of the ICC league B that will be in Jersey.
“We wish you well and we know you will do well. Use this as build up for jersey and make sure that as we go into the third leg, we are sure of victory.” He said
The cricket cranes, despite being the second lowest ranked country in the contest, a spot ahead of USA, they come into the qualifier as champions of the Africa region finals that were held in Rwanda, November last year.
Uganda’s opening batsman Roger Mukasa replaces Vice Captain Deus Muhumuza aka Da baby who limped off the field during Uganda’s game against Jersey in round two of the ICC challenge League B WC qualifiers while Bilal Hassun comes in for Emmanuel Hasahya.
The two add experience to the cranes squad that’s mainly dominated by young blood.
The 14-man squad sets off at Entebbe airport on Saturday 9th at 3am to arrive in Bulawayo in the afternoon through South Africa.
20 matches, including the playoffs and the final will be played by the two finalists who will qualify for Round 1 of the T20 World Cup. The winner thereafter goes into Group B alongside Ireland, Scotland and the West Indies while the runners-up joins Namibia, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates in Group A.
Full Team:
Brian Masaba (Captain), 2. Ronak Patel, 3. Simon Ssesazi, 4. Roger Mukasa, 5. Dinesh Nakrani, 6. Riazat Ali Shah, 7. Frank Nsubuga, 8. Frank Akankwasa, 9. Kenneth Waiswa, 10. Cosmas Kyewuta, 11. Juma Miyagi, 12. Henry Ssenyondo, 14. Bilal Hassun.
Team Officials:
Laurence Mahatlane (Head Coach), 2. Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), 3. Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist), 4. Steven Tusiime (Team Analyst), 5. Denis Musali (Media Manager), 6. Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager).
Opening fixture will be hosts Zimbabwe against Singapore on 11th July. All games will be streamed live on ICC.tv for free.
