Hong Kong, China - February 11. The Cricket Cranes are set for their most crucial match yet at the ICC CWC Challenge League B, facing off against Italy at the picturesque Kowloon Cricket Club nestled among the towering skyscrapers of Jordan, Mong Kok tomorrow. Uganda tops the table with 13 points, while Italy breathes down their necks with 11 points. Both teams remain unbeaten in the Hong Kong leg, making this showdown a defining fixture.
In preparation for this mammoth clash, the Cricket Cranes had an intensive two-in-one training session. One-half of the team trained at the gymnasium of Nina Hotel under physiotherapist Udaka Galhena, focusing on recovery and fitness. Meanwhile, head coach Abhay Sharma, alongside consultant Craig Williams and assistant Jackson Ogwang, conducted skills drills at the match venue.
Speaking ahead of the match, Sharma emphasized the team’s readiness and strategic mindset:
“Our plan against Italy is simple. We are not going to play names. We are going to play the ball – one delivery at a time and when we get to bowl, look to bowl in the right channels. If we implement such, we will create a pressure scenario, and with pressure, whoever implements better will win.”
Opening batsman Robinson Obuya also expressed confidence:
“The first two wins give us momentum going forward. We are ticking the boxes as batsmen and our confidence is high. We must continue to target 250 plus, considering the small size of these grounds. We should go for 300 plus.”
Head-to-Head Statistics (Last 4 Matches)
- 13-Nov-2024:Uganda won by 24 runs
- 07-Aug-2022:Uganda won by 7 wickets (with 181 balls remaining)
- 24-Jun-2022:Uganda won by 7 wickets (with 154 balls remaining)
- 09-Dec-2019:Uganda won by 38 runs
In the last tie, Uganda (254) triumphed by 24 runs at Entebbe Oval, thanks to a stellar spin bowling display by Henry Ssenyondo (4/28) and Alpesh Ramjani (5/69) after Italy had raced to 115 for 1.
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
