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The Uganda Cricket Cranes have officially been flagged off to Tanzania for the decisive final leg of the ICC Challenge League B series, scheduled to run from August 6 to 19 at the University of Dar es Salaam Complex.
Uganda heads into the final round in a commanding position, sitting at the top of the six-team standings after two rounds. The Cricket Cranes remain unbeaten with eight victories and two no results from 10 matches, giving them 18 points, two ahead of second-placed Italy.
Cricket Cranes players pose for a photo moment 📸Phillip Mugabi
The team is now within touching distance of securing progression to the next stage of qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Uganda needs just three victories from their remaining five matches to guarantee advancement.
Despite that advantage, head coach Steve Tikolo has challenged his players to maintain their unbeaten record and approach the tournament with a winning mentality.
“At the back of our minds, there is that three wins but personally I would want to take one game at a time. I have spoken to the boys about it but we would also want to win all our five games,” said Tikolo.
“When you do that as a team you usually send a very strong statement to the world and to the opposition. We want to be clinical and win all matches.”
Tikolo also acknowledged the challenge that awaits at the newly introduced venues in Dar es Salaam. The matches will be played at the ESTIM Ground and NTS Ground, facilities that will provide unfamiliar conditions for all competing teams.
“Obviously the new grounds, I wouldn’t speak much on those but I he good thing is when we get there we have warm up games that will give us an insight on how the wicket will play.”
Previous wickets in Tanzania have generally been slow, offered low bounce and assisted spin bowlers, conditions Uganda will be keen to assess during their warm-up fixtures.
Captain Riazat Ali Sha is equally determined to lead the Cricket Cranes to a historic achievement by securing ODI status through an unbeaten finish at the top of the standings.
“We want to go all in and win all the games, our goal is to get the ODI status but first have to finish the league first.” Said Riazat Ali Sha.
The Uganda Cricket Cranes are scheduled to travel to Tanzania on Sunday afternoon ahead of the tournament.
Uganda Cricket Cranes Squad
Riazat Ali Sha (Captain)
Juma Miyaji
Fred Achelam
Cyrus Kakuru
Dinesh Nakrani
Joseph Baguma
Henry Ssenyondo
Sumeet Verma
Simon Ssesazi
Alepsh Ramjani
Kenneth Waiswa
Cosmas Kyewuta
Gerald Olipa
Raghav Dhawan
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