Uganda Seek Improved Batting Show

The Cricket Cranes head into their clash against The Gambia with two wins from two matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C. Uganda are targeting another victory before Sunday's final fixture against hosts Nigeria, who lead the standings on net run-rate.

ABUJA, OCTOBER 23. Uganda’s senior men’s cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, will seek a third consecutive victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C when they face The Gambia this afternoon – Friday, October 23, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

For God & My Country. The Cricket Cranes before they departed for Abuja to pursue progress at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C.

The match, scheduled for 3:50pm East African Time (EAT) at NCF Oval 2, presents Uganda with another opportunity to strengthen their bid for a top-two finish and qualification for the Africa Regional Final on the road to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Uganda have won their opening two matches, defeating Zambia by 87 runs before beating Lesotho by five wickets.  While the results have kept the team on course, the Cricket Cranes are targeting greater consistency, particularly with the bat, as the competition intensifies.

Bowling sets the standard

Vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa was instrumental in Uganda’s victory over Lesotho, taking four wickets for 18 runs to help dismiss the opposition for 87.

Uganda completed the chase at 89 for five in 12.3 overs, with Sumeet Verma finishing the match with a six. The result followed an emphatic opening win over Zambia, but the team remains focused on improving its execution across all departments.

Skipper’s Call. Captain Riazat Ali Shah leads Uganda’s charge in Abuja, with the Cricket Cranes seeking greater consistency as the qualifier intensifies.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah believes the batting unit can respond positively as the campaign progresses.

“We know we have not batted to our full potential in the opening games, but there is quality in this group. We are working on our decision-making and execution, and we will bounce back with more definitive performances with the bat,” Shah said.

The Gambia Next

Uganda, ranked 21st in the world, face The Gambia side ranked 95th. Despite the difference in rankings, the Cricket Cranes are approaching the fixture with the discipline required to secure another important result.

The Gambia captain Abubacarr Kuyateh has acknowledged the challenge posed by Uganda and says his side will aim to compete strongly.

“Uganda are a tough team, and we respect what they have achieved. We are looking forward to playing them, competing hard and giving ourselves a chance. If we can cause an upset, it would give the cricketing world a story to remember for years,” Kuyateh said.

Fresh Voice. Debutant Pius Oloka receives his cap from vice captain Kenneth Waiswa (R) during Uganda’s Ab before Uganda’s game against Lesotho. The Jinja-bred talent went on to finish with impressive figures of 1 for 14 in 4 overs.

Preparation beyond the field

The Cricket Cranes used their day off, yesterday, to maintain their physical readiness, undertaking a gym session at the tournament residence – Bon Hotel Octagon in Jahi – aimed at activating their bodies, keeping them agile and preparing them for the demands of the remaining fixtures.

The programme also included a planned city tour of Abuja, providing an opportunity for the squad to bond away from the field while remaining focused on the tournament.

Nigeria showdown awaits

Uganda and hosts Nigeria have each collected four points from their opening two matches, but Nigeria lead the standings on net run-rate.

Poster Boy. Wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru is part of the Cricket Cranes squad working to maintain Uganda’s winning momentum in the Abuja qualifier.

The hosts have a net run-rate of 5.6129, compared with Uganda’s 3.8635. The Cricket Cranes will therefore be looking not only to secure victory against Gambia but also to produce a strong performance before facing Nigeria in their final tournament fixture on Sunday, October 25. That could certainly be the gold match.

The top two teams at the qualifier will progress to the Africa Regional Final, the next stage in the qualification pathway for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The Cricket Cranes remain focused on taking each match as it comes, with – today – Friday’s encounter against The Gambia the immediate priority.

ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA SUB-REGIONAL QUALIFIER C

Today –  Friday, October 23, 2026

The Gambia vs. Uganda, 3:50pm EAT

NCF Oval 2, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja

Abuja Bonds. The Cricket Cranes took time off to bond during their Abuja tour, balancing team spirit with preparations for the remaining qualifier fixtures.

POINTS TABLE STANDINGS

TEAM                        P    W  L  T NR  PTS  NRR

Nigeria                       2     2  0  0   0    4      5.6129

Uganda                     2     2  0  0   0    4      3.8635

Lesotho                      1     1  1  0   0    2      0.6442

Mozambique            1     1  1  0   0    2     -1.0500

Zambia                       2     0  2  0   0    0     -3.5395

Gambia                     2     0  2  0   0    0     -4.7000

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