Harare – September 27. The Cricket Cranes will look to get their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign back on track when they face Tanzania tomorrow (10.30am EAT) at Takashinga Cricket Club in Harare.
Uganda fell to Zimbabwe by five wickets in their Group B opener, but the camp remains upbeat and determined to turn things around.
“We’ve put Zimbabwe behind us. The focus is fully on Tanzania,” said skipper Riazat Ali Shah, who struck 35 off 24 balls in the first game. “It’s a must-win for us, and we are prepared to work extra hard to stay in contention for one of the two World Cup slots.”
Uganda’s opponents Tanzania come into the fixture on the back of a clinical seven-wicket win over Botswana, chasing down 122 with ease. The East Africans boast dangerous batters; Abhik Patwa, Arun Yadav and Ivan Selemani, while their bowling attack thrives on discipline and experience.
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang acknowledged the challenge but struck a confident tone: “The boys had a good workout today, both batsmen and bowlers. We’ve worked on our T20 lengths and variations. Tomorrow, it’s about executing our plans with precision. If we do that, victory will come.”
Uganda hold a strong historical advantage over Tanzania, winning 11 of their last 12 T20 meetings, including last year’s regional qualifiers in Namibia where they chased down 100 with ease.
With spirits high in camp and the fans in Harare rallying behind them, the Cricket Cranes are determined to bounce back and keep their World Cup dream alive.
Fixture – Sunday, September 28
Uganda vs. Tanzania
10:30 AM (EAT)
Takashinga Cricket Club, Harare
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