The Bilateral Series between Uganda and visitors Papua New Guinea bowls off on Wednesday at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe with one of the four scheduled 50 Over games.
The Series slated to run from Wednesday 18th to Monday 23rd- the departure date- is the first international engagement for the Cricket Cranes since their maiden World Cup campaign in West Indies in June.
The Cricket Cranes’ maiden appearance at a World Cup saw them placed in Group C; it also saw them register their first and only win at a World Cup, and that victory came against PNG.
With the two sides going head to head again since that historic win, the hosts will be looking to begin this series positively. Cricket Cranes head coach Abhay Sharma says their major focus at this tourney will be trying varying combinations and players.
He said: “This is a preparation series for our upcoming tournament. We have to try different combinations and players and we are not thinking about the results now.
“We want to get the right players and combinations for future tournaments. We have had challenges with our preparations, especially the skills sessions but I am sure the boys will give their best on the field to make Ugandans proud.”
Sixteen players have been chosen in that regard, and they will be led by Brian Masaba. Masaba called it quits from the national team in the T20 format right after the World Cup, but he still skippers the side in the 50 Over format.
He will be assisted by all-rounder Riazat Ali Shah while wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru who missed out on a place in the World Cup team returns to the side.
Former Baby Cricket Cranes captain Pascal Murungi is also back, but Kenneth Waiswa, Roger Mukasa, Bilal Hassun and Ronak Patel are the notable absentees.
Raghav Dhawan and Shrideep Mangela will earn their debuts if they’re given game time.
Full Squad
Brian Masaba, Riazat Ali Shah, Simon Ssesazi, Alpesh Ramjani, Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, Shrideep Mangela, Raghav Dhawan, Henry Ssenyondo, Frank Nsubuga, Cyrus Kakuru, Fred Achelam, Robinson Obuya, Shaaf Mohammad and Pascal Murungi.
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