OCTOBER 16, LUGOGO – The two-match series will help Jersey prepare for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A finale while giving Uganda’s emerging players valuable exposure to international opposition.
Uganda’s Select team will host Jersey’s senior men’s side for two practice matches at Entebbe Cricket Oval on October 17 and 18 as the visitors prepare for the final round of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A in Kenya.
Jersey will stop in Uganda en route to Nairobi, where the final leg of the Challenge League A competition runs from October 21 to 31.
The practice matches will offer both sides competitive preparation, with Jersey looking to sharpen its combinations and match readiness ahead of a crucial qualification campaign, while Uganda’s players gain valuable experience against an international side.
Jersey prepare for Kenya finale
Jersey lead the Challenge League A standings with 17 points, three ahead of second-placed Kuwait on 14, and will be looking to protect their position as the competition reaches its decisive stage.
The Channel Island side will face Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Kuwait, Denmark and Qatar in Kenya, opening their campaign against Papua New Guinea on October 22 at Nairobi Gymkhana Oval.
The final round carries significant consequences in the pathway towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The top two teams will progress to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off, scheduled for early December, while a top-four finish offers a pathway towards securing One Day International (ODI) status.
The two matches in Entebbe will give Jersey an opportunity to test combinations, assess players in match conditions and build momentum before the competition resumes.
Uganda players gain valuable exposure
Uganda will field a Select side captained by former Baby Cricket Cranes skipper Fahad Mutagana, featuring a blend of emerging talent and players seeking to strengthen their claims for future national-team assignments.
Facing a side competing in the Challenge League A provides the Ugandan players with an opportunity to test their skills against international opposition, sharpen their decision-making and gain experience in competitive match situations.
The matches will also allow Uganda’s players to remain active and connected to the wider national-team set-up as they continue developing their game.
The exposure could help strengthen the pool of players available for future assignments while giving the coaching and selection teams an opportunity to assess their progress.
Familiar opponents renew rivalry
Uganda and Jersey have met in both T20 and 50-over international competition, producing contrasting results.
Their most recent meeting was on July 15, 2022, in the fifth-place play-off semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Uganda secured a five-run victory after defending a target of 111, restricting Jersey to 105/9. Simon Ssesazi top-scored with 30 off 25 balls, while Juma Miyagi and Bilal Hassan claimed two wickets apiece.
Jersey had earlier beaten Uganda by 62 runs in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B on June 17, 2022.
The Entebbe fixtures therefore offer another opportunity for the two sides to test themselves against familiar opposition, with each team approaching the matches from a different stage of its preparations.
Mutagana welcomes opportunity
Uganda Select captain Fahad Mutagana welcomed the visitors and said the matches would benefit both teams ahead of their respective assignments.
“We are delighted to host Jersey in Entebbe for these two practice matches ahead of their ICC Challenge League A campaign.
It is a great opportunity for both teams to prepare, test combinations and build match fitness in competitive conditions.
“For us as Uganda, playing against a quality side like Jersey gives us valuable exposure and a chance to sharpen our skills as we continue preparing for our own assignments.
“We appreciate Jersey for choosing to train and play in Uganda, and we hope they have a productive stay.
We look forward to two good games that will benefit both teams and contribute to the growth of cricket.”
FIXTURES — ENTEBBE CRICKET OVAL
Saturday, October 17: Uganda Select vs Jersey — Practice Match 1
Sunday, October 18: Uganda Select vs Jersey — Practice Match 2
Venue: Entebbe Cricket Oval, Uganda.
UGANDA SQUAD
Fahad Mutagana (C), Ronald Lutaaya, Robert Owilli (WK), Paul Mulongo, Steven Wawse (WK), Edwin Nuwagaba, Richard Agamire, Musa Majid, Asaba Brian, Gurjivan Singh, Munir Ismail, Bilal Hassun, Ivan Baidhu and Christopher Kidega.
JERSEY SQUAD
Charles Perchard (C), Toby Britton, Charlie Brennan, Harrison Carlyon, Jake Dunford, Jonty Jenner, Josh Lawrenson, Will Perchard, George Richardson, Julius Sumerauer, Asa Tribe, Zak Tribe, Scott van Breda and Ben Ward.
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