Four years ago, on 14th April 2011 in Dubai, Uganda was well on course to staying in Div 2.
They restricted a PNG side seeded sixth in the tournament to 186 all out. Uganda then needed a win or draw. The script was set.
With six overs left, Uganda was 166/6 and looked comfortably set for a victory. But alas! It was not be.
PNG’s Areni Hitolo bowled Davis Karashani out,bringing an end to the 7th wicket partnership between him and Ronald Semanda that had contributed 60 runs, the highest in the game. The collapse was on and the wickets toppled.
PNG’s Rarva Dikana and Willie Gavera ripped through the tail end. Uganda needed three runs off the last ball of the match to win, they scored two, and that condemned them to Div 3 wilderness and ultimately the loss of the ICC High Performance grant monies.
Sad story?
Yes. But the Cricket Cranes have a chance re-write this script.
Like the Hunger Games, they can be their own Katniss Everdeen and save District 12.
Uganda has been presented with another chance, a ‘Quarter Quell’ of sorts. A do over.
Coaches changed, eight of the cast that were part of the 2011 class are down in Namibia for the 2015 World Cricket League. They more than anyone else know what needs to be done.
“The stakes are high but everyone needs to pitch up for every game,” said ex-skipper Davis Karashani speaking exclusively to kawowo.com. “The whole kitchen sink is what we need to be throwing for every game, the lads are buoyed up and that is a good thing.”
Uganda started off their campaign with a two run victory over Nepal but stumbled to a four wicket loss to hosts Namibia on Sunday. The top two sides will get an opportunity to play in the four-day first ICC Intercontinental Cup 2015-17 and the ICC World Cricket League Championship. Whereas a top four finish will ensure increased access to that ICC High Performance kitty.
Uganda takes on familiar foes in Kenya on Tuesday 20th at United cricket park. Kenya are yet to register a win, falling to a 5 wicket loss to hosts Namibia on the opening day and also losing to Canada by 46 runs. A third loss will make them likely candidates for relegation with no points on the six team table.
“We know these Kenyan players but knowing them is simply not going to be enough,” said Karashani. “They have played at the highest of levels but we cannot think too much about that, we need to win for the 36 million Ugandans cheering for us.” he added.
A view echoed by assistant coach Micheal Ndiko, “The boys are hungry for success,they are in good shape and mentally poised to perform to the best of their abilities.”
Like in the Hunger Games, the death of the protagonist made for a memorable story. The protagonist in this case being Uganda shaking off the monkey on it’s back and staying in Div 2.
Sacrifice, Freedom and Winning were all themes that were portrayed well in the quest for victory. And just maybe Uganda Cricket can get the ending they deserve.
Fixtures 20th January;
Kenya v Uganda (United) 10:30am EAT
Nepal v Canada (Wanderers),
Namibia v Netherlands (Wanderers Affies)
