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With the highly anticipated clash between Uganda and Rwanda looming, team captains Mary Dianne Bimenyimana and Consy Aweko Nimungu have provided insights into their outlooks for the upcoming match, set to take place on Sunday 10th December, 2023( tomorrow), at the prestigious Entebbe Cricket Oval.
Leading Rwanda’s team, Bimenyimana expressed a balanced mix of confidence and caution.
Rwanda’s Captain Dianne Bimenyimana
Despite Rwanda’s previous victories against Uganda, notably their recent win in June during the Kwibuka tournament, she acknowledged the formidable lineup of Uganda in the current event.
Bimenyimana emphasized her faith in her team’s potential, particularly highlighting emerging talents like the Ishimwes, who left an impression in the under 19 World Cup.
Anticipating the challenge ahead, Bimenyimana assured readiness for a competitive face-off at Entebbe, demonstrating unwavering determination for a successful tournament.
On the Ugandan side, Captain Consy Aweko Nimungu acknowledged the weight of expectations playing on home turf. Drawing inspiration from the men’s team’s historic World Cup qualification, she aspired to replicate that success in the global qualifiers.
Nimungu emphasized her team’s meticulous preparations, citing their engagement in local league tournaments, trial games, and rigorous training camps.
She underscored the significance of earlier tournaments in shaping her team’s readiness, aiming to bring honor to the nation and their loyal supporters.
Both captains’ perspectives highlighted the intense determination propelling their teams toward what promises to be a riveting cricket showdown.
During their previous encounter in June at the Kwibuka finals, Rwanda restricted Uganda to a mere 65 runs in 20 overs, securing a 6-wicket victory by the 17th over.
Opinions varied on the reasons for Rwanda’s victory that day, some attributing it to their improved cricketing skills, while others believed Uganda may have underestimated their opponents.
Author’s Insight – Ivan Sajjabi:
The team is fully prepared, boasting a fit and available squad of 14 players. The inclusion of five players with prior Global Qualifiers experience adds to the team’s eagerness to perform.
Notably, the Victoria Pearls clinched their 2018 Global Qualifiers spot by defeating Zimbabwe in the 2017 Namibia finals.
Uganda’s qualification journey heavily relies on securing victories in all Group B matches, offering a potential advantage in the semifinals against the likely second-placed team from Group A, either Kenya or Tanzania.
It’s pivotal for Uganda to avoid facing Zimbabwe at the semifinal stage.
A victory secures a berth in the finals and a direct ticket to the global stage.
Anticipation grows for the upcoming East African derby. Ahead of this, today Zimbabwe secured a dominant 62-run victory against Kenya, emphasizing their cricketing prowess and strategic finesse.
Zimbabwe celebrating the victory against Kenya.
Tanzania’s impressive performance followed in the afternoon, flawlessly chasing Botswana’s 75 runs without losing a wicket, showcasing their remarkable form and composed gameplay.
Action between Tanzania and Botswana.
Before the highly anticipated derby tomorrow, Namibia faces Nigeria, a notable clash at 9:30 AM. Namibia’s triumph highlighted their skill, while Tanzania’s flawless chase demonstrated their exceptional abilities.
These performances showcase the diverse talent in African cricket, setting the stage for thrilling future matches.
As the anticipation heightens for the East African derby, fans can catch the live action online at ICC.TV or witness it firsthand at the Entebbe Cricket Oval.
Let’s pack the stadium and create an unforgettable event. Bring a friend along for an exciting day of cricket.
