The tour to Qatar and India presented Team Uganda a rare opportunity for match time,something we'd been craving, having not played competitively since the WCL3 last year.
5 games in.Qatar and 8 in India in the space of sixteen odd days was definitely a lot of cricket to play,around 2 travelling days in between,but we were certainly not complaining.
The Qatar leg went down 3-2 in favour of the hosts in a closely contested series. It was a unique experience playing games under lights,a first time experience for most of the lads. Games starting at 6pm and ending at 10pm, fielding in the heat and having to bat at dusk,dew factors being able to make adjustments to different conditions is what defines the really good cricketers, so it was nice to see guys put in game-winning shifts.
HITS
1. Simon Ssesazi's emergence as a top order option. The youngster has knocked at the door loudly.
2. Much needed match practice for a new look side, was important to figure out different combinations and strategies
3. Exposure for several youngsters. They can only get better through such opportunity,which they must grab with both hands.
4. Deus Muhumuza,his seniority came through on several occasions with his all-around abilities.
5. Team analyst. Alvin Bagaya did a commendable job of collecting,analyzing and advising,something that had not been done in years past. Definitely a step up the right path,going forward.
MISSES
1. Not closing out the series when we had a chance to a winning culture is the coach's top philosophy.
2. Lloyd Paternott's tour-ending injury left us a batsman short and crucially deprived him game time.
3. Unused overs in 50 over games this falls squarely on the batting shoulders. Aluta continua.
4.Missed chances in the field, we pride ourselves on our fielding and will definitely put in the extra work.