Prime
Coach Sharma demands for clinical finish
Clean Sweep. Cricket Cranes wicketkeeper Fred Achelam plays the slog sweep. His contribution will be vital against Tanzania. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
One More Step To Perfection. Uganda stands on the threshold of another dominant campaign, but the final hurdle must still be cleared. With history, form, and team depth on their side, the Cricket Cranes have every reason to believe that today will be another feather in their cap.
HONG KONG-CHINA. Uganda are on the brink of a flawless run in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B, a journey that began last November on home soil.
Unbeaten and sitting comfortably at the top of the standings, their only setbacks have come in the form of two washouts—against Hong Kong-China in the first leg at Lugogo and Italy in the second leg at Kowloon Cricket Club.
With the ultimate goal of securing a ticket to the 2027 ICC World Cup and earning One Day International (ODI) status, the team has been in dominant form, brushing aside opponents with commanding performances.
Now, as they prepare to face Tanzania in their final game of this leg at Tin Kwong Recreation Road Ground (TKRRG) in Mong Kok on Saturday, they seek to cap off their campaign with another victory.
History favours Uganda
If past encounters are anything to go by, Uganda is expected to maintain its dominance over Tanzania. When these two East African sides last met on November 9, 2024, in Lugogo, Uganda cruised to a resounding 209-run victory, thanks to captain Riazat Ali Shah’s century that powered them to 289 runs.
However, Uganda wicketkeeper Fred Achelam insists that complacency is not an option. “We don’t want to take Tanzania lightly. They have given us tough games before, especially in Rwanda and South Africa. They know our game well, and we need to execute our plans efficiently,” said Achelam.
“We will have to keep an extra eye on players like Akhil Anil, Ally Mpeka Kimote, Kassim Nassoro Chete, Mukesh Maker, and Ivan Ismail Selemani, who are capable of turning the game around for Tanzania.”
Process over pressure
Cricket Cranes coach Abhay Sharma echoed similar sentiments, urging his players to stay focused while embracing their natural game. “We want to finish this leg with a positive result, but I never put pressure on my team for results. I want them to enjoy the game and follow the processes,” Sharma stated.
While some squad members, including wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru and veteran off spinner Frank Nsubuga, are yet to get game time in this tournament, Sharma hinted at making selections based on pitch conditions.
“We take every game seriously, and team selection will depend on the surface and match conditions on the morning of the game. I always pick horses for courses,” added the Indian-born tactician.
Next steps
A win will solidify Uganda’s position at the top, giving them an even stronger foothold heading into the third and final leg of the tournament in Tanzania in August 2026. With a commanding Net Run Rate (NRR) of 2.163 and 16 points, the Cricket Cranes are well on track of finishing on a high.
ICC CWC CHALLENGE LEAGUE B
Saturday Fixtures – 4am (EAT)
Tanzania vs. Uganda, Mission Road Ground
Bahrain vs. Italy, Kowloon Cricket Club
Tomorrow’s Fixtures – 4am (EAT)
Hong Kong-China vs. Italy, Mission Road Ground
Singapore vs. Tanzania, Kowloon Cricket Club
2024-2026 ICC CWC CHALLENGE LEAGUE B – POINTS TABLE
Team M W L N/R Pts NRR
1. Uganda 9 7 0 2 16 2.163
2. Italy 8 5 1 2 12 2.630
3. Hong Kong China 9 5 2 2 12 -0.056
4. Bahrain 9 4 4 1 9 -0.013
5. Tanzania 8 0 6 2 2 -2.486
6. Singapore 9 0 8 1 1 -2.140
N/R denotes No Result NRR denotes Net Run Rate
