The Cricket Cranes return to ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B action tomorrow with Italy in their sights, carrying the confidence of a winning start against Tanzania but knowing a second victory would strengthen their grip on the qualification race and bring them closer to their ODI cricket ambition.

Winning momentum

Uganda opened the decisive Dar es Salaam final leg in emphatic fashion on Saturday, defeating hosts Tanzania by 90 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.

After rain reduced the contest to 20 overs, the Cranes posted 142/8 before their spinners dismantled Tanzania for just 71.

Henry Ssenyondo led the attack with an outstanding 3/7 from four overs to claim Player of the Match honours, while Joseph Baguma returned 3/13 and Sumeet Verma took 2/6.

The victory moved Uganda to 20 points at the top of the Challenge League B standings. Italy moved to 18 after a victory over Bahrain, and Hong Kong moved to 14 after outlasting Singapore.

Tuesday’s encounter is an important meeting between the top two sides on the log.

Gelling together
Uganda’s preparations continued at the TCA Arena, with the team looking to build on the strengths displayed against Tanzania.

All-rounder Alpesh Ramjani said the priority is to continue developing as a unit while retaining the confidence gained from the opening victory.

“We just want to keep gelling well as a team and build on the strengths we showed against Tanzania,” Ramjani said.

“Every game gives us something to learn from, and the important thing is that we continue improving together and take that into the next game.”

That unity will be important against an Italian side expected to provide a different examination.

Reading the conditions

The Estim Ground offered significant assistance to Uganda’s spinners against Tanzania, and the Cranes have spent part of their preparation working specifically on how to deal with spin.

Head coach Steve Tikolo said the training sessions were shaped by what the conditions are demanding.

“We worked a lot on playing spin because that’s what the conditions have been asking from us,” Tikolo said.

“We want the players to understand how to play the ball in these conditions, make good decisions and be ready for whatever Italy bring.”

The emphasis is not only on surviving spin but on scoring against it without losing wickets.

That balance could prove crucial on another surface – the NTS Ground – within the UDSM complex.

Good Vibes

Wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru said the mood inside the camp remains positive following the victory over Tanzania.

“The boys are in good spirits. We are united, and there are good vibes in the team,” Kakuru said.

“Against Italy, we just have to stay ahead of them in every phase of the game — with the bat, with the ball and in the field.”

That approach reflects Uganda’s broader objective: control the game rather than simply react to the opposition.

Top of the table

Three wins from Uganda’s remaining four matches would guarantee progression, meaning Tuesday’s fixture could take them another significant step towards the next stage of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup qualification pathway and the longer-term ambition of securing ODI status.

But Italy will not be intimidated by the standings.

They know a victory would close the gap and potentially transform the complexion of the final leg.

Italian test

Tuesday’s contest therefore carries more weight than a routine second match.

Uganda must reproduce the discipline that delivered victory over Tanzania while proving they can handle a full contest without the intervention of rain.

The batting unit will be expected to build partnerships and navigate the spin challenge, while the bowling attack — fresh from a dominant performance — will look to maintain the pressure that produced wickets across Uganda’s two warm up & opening matches in Dar es Salaam.

The fielding department will also need to remain sharp.

And with Hong Kong-China waiting less than 24 hours later, squad management and recovery will become increasingly important.

Next Fixtures
Uganda vs Italy
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
NTS Ground, TCA Arena – UDSM
9:00 am EAT

Wednesday, August 12
Uganda vs. Hong Kong-China
NTS Ground, TCA Arena – UDSM | 9:00am