Uganda are set to face Singapore in their second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B (CWCCLB) at Kowloon Cricket Club tomorrow at 4am (EAT). The Cricket Cranes will be looking to build on their commanding 52-run victory over Bahrain in their tournament opener on Friday.
Coach Abhay Sharma’s side will want to quickly adapt to the conditions at Kowloon, which is known for its small, straight boundaries and spin-friendly wicket. Sharma may opt for a spin-heavy lineup as Uganda aims to neutralize Singapore’s adventurous batting.
“We need to be clinical in all aspects of the game,” said Cricket Cranes captain Riazat Ali Shah. “The top five batsmen must focus on building strong partnerships to set up a formidable total. We’ve observed that defending scores below 250 can be challenging on these grounds. Our bowling and fielding will also need to be sharper.”
Singapore, eager to bounce back from two consecutive losses, has made significant changes to their squad, introducing seven new players. Seasoned all-rounder Janak Prakash returns to bolster their side, alongside emerging talents like Aryaveer Chaudhary, Vinoth Baskaran, Ishaan Swaney, Thilipan Omaidurai, and Hari Kukreja.
Despite Uganda’s dominant 7-wicket win over Singapore in Entebbe during the first leg of the Challenge League B, Singapore captain Manpreet Singh is optimistic. “We respect every opponent. But in cricket, there’s always room for surprises. We will enjoy our game against Uganda.”
The Cricket Cranes received a boost with opening batsman Shrideep Mangela declared fit after a head injury scare in the Bahrain match. The other fixture on the card will see East Africans Tanzania take on Bahrain in a battle of evenly-balanced sides at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok.
Fixtures – Tomorrow – 4 am
Singapore vs. Uganda, Kowloon Cricket Club
Bahrain vs. Tanzania, Mission Road Ground, Mong Kok
Probable Uganda XI:
Riazat Ali Shah (c), Raghav Dhawan, Fred Achelam, Shrideep Mangela, Juma Miyaji, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Henry Ssenyondo, Kenneth Waiswa
12th Man: Cosmas Kyewuta