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Cricket Cranes focused for ‘finale’ against hosts Hong Kong
Tons Of Experience. Veteran spinner Frank Nsubuga could play a key role against Hong Kong’s left-handers. PHOTO/EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
Weather The Storm. Cricket Cranes will be aiming to extend their lead at the top as they take on the hosts Hong Kong-China, after rain played spoilsport against Italy, in a crunch clash at Kowloon CC today.
HONG KONG. The ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B table remains finely poised after Uganda’s much-anticipated clash against Italy was abandoned due to relentless drizzle at Kowloon Cricket Club in Jordan City yesterday.
The washout means the Cricket Cranes stay top with 14 points, two clear of Italy and Hong Kong, setting up a pivotal encounter against the hosts on Thursday.
“This will be our third meeting this year and we have each won one game apiece. This will be a series decider and finale of sorts,” Uganda captain Riazat Ali Shah said. “They’re the home team, but we feel like we equally know the conditions because we arrived here early enough and played a Tri-Series. The toss will be important.”
Rain plays spoilsport
Match referee Wendell Labrooy had no choice but to call off Uganda’s game against Italy just after an early lunch at 1pm local time. Despite several attempts to resume play, the drizzle turned into a stubborn downpour, forcing both teams to settle for a point each.
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang remained upbeat despite the disappointment. “Unfortunately, we cannot control things like the weather. We will take the point from the Italy game and look forward to the future. The guys are still in a good mood and will look to finish as the better side against the hosts. We have now entered the business end of the tournament and have to make hay.”
Formidable foe
Uganda will need to be at their best against Hong Kong-China, who boast a dangerous top order led by tournament centurion Martin Coetzee, on-form Ansuman Rath, skipper Yasim Murtaza, former captain Nizakat Khan, and the ever-reliable Babar Hayat.
The hosts are still reeling from sharing points with Tanzania after their own washout but will be buoyed by their dominant 68-run victory over Uganda in the pre-tournament Tri-Series final.
History between the two sides is finely balanced in this event. In their last five meetings, each team has won twice, with one No Result (NR) recorded at Lugogo Oval on November 10 last year.
Selection & weather
Uganda coach Abhay Sharma is expected to make a tactical call on whether to bring in veteran off-spinner Frank Nsubuga for his tournament bow. With Hong Kong boasting multiple left-handers, Nsubuga’s control and experience could be a key weapon.
Unlike yesterday’s gloomy skies, the latest weather forecast for today in Hong Kong suggests less humidity with intervals of clouds and sunshine. A high of 20°C and no significant rainfall means conditions should be ideal for play.
With two games left in the tournament, a win today will put Uganda in a pole position for automatic qualification. Hong Kong, however, will be equally determined to close the gap.
“We will look at the playing surface and look to execute better,” Riazat Ali Shah emphasized. “We are praying for good weather so that we can push for a result and steer clear of the chasing pack.”
ICC CWC CHALLENGE LEAGUE B
Fixtures – Thursday 4am (EAT)
Hong Kong-China vs. Uganda, Kowloon
Bahrain vs. Singapore, Mission Road Ground.
Results – Wednesday
Uganda vs. Italy
Match Abandoned
(Without A Ball Bowled)
Hong Kong vs. Tanzania
Match Abandoned
(Without A Ball Bowled)
2024-2026 ICC CWC CHALLENGE LEAGUE B – POINTS TABLE
Team M W L N/R Pts NRR
1. Uganda 8 6 0 2 14 2.267
2. Italy 8 5 1 2 12 2.630
3. Hong Kong China 8 5 1 2 12 0.253
4. Bahrain 8 3 4 1 7 -0.330
5. Tanzania 8 0 6 2 2 -2.486
6. Singapore 8 0 7 1 1 -2.057
N/R denotes No Result NRR denotes Net Run Rate
Probable Uganda XI:
Riazat Ali Shah (c), Raghav Dhawan, Fred Achelam, Shrideep Mangela, Juma Miyaji, Dinesh Nakrani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Henry Ssenyondo, Frank Nsubuga 12th Man: Kenneth Waiswa
Head To Head – Last 5 Matches
10-Nov-2024: No Result
14-Aug-2022: Uganda won by 218 runs
20-Jun-2022: Hong Kong won by 6 wickets (with 169 balls remaining)
11-Dec-2019: Uganda won by 6 wickets (with 82 balls remaining)
08-Apr-2011: Hong Kong won by 26 runs
