The Cricket Cranes’ first international engagement in 2023 will be a visit to the desert nation of Qatar and will be involved in a four-match ODI series with the hosts.
Uganda has developed a great relationship with the desert nation as they seek to play against teams that are better developed. This will be their second visit to the nation with Covid disrupting their other planned visits.
There are three changes to the side that represented Uganda during the tri-nation in Rwanda. Riazat Ali Shah, Ronak Patel and Alpesh Ramjani come into the side for Emmanuel Hasahya, Joseph Baguma and Bilal Hassun.
The inclusion of Ronak Patel on an ODI adds runs to the batting lineup. Ronak was Uganda’s highest run scorer during the Challenge League B tournament and his killing-you-softly style should complement the rest of the team.
Riazat Ali Shah missed Rwanda Tour with a broken finger and his all-rounder skills should help the side in the longer format while Alpesh Ramjani will get his first taste of 50-over cricket in a Cricket Cranes jersey.
Roger Mukasa keeps his place in the side after missing most of the 50-over cricket for the team last year. He last played 50-over for the cricket cranes in 2019.
There is room for improvement for Cyrus Kakuru and Pascal Murungi whose debut in Rwanda was average for the quality they both possess. Elite League MVP Ronald Lutaaya will compete for a place at the top of the order against two experienced players.
Qatar is ranked higher than the Cricket Cranes in the global rankings and therefore the quality of the cricket is going to be of very high quality the kind of test that Laurence Mahatlane’s charges need as they prepare for the Africa T20 finals later in the year. Qatar has always been challenging for the Cricket Cranes not just on the field but even the heat has challenged the boys, therefore, there is a lot of work to do for physiotherapists to ensure that the boys do break down.
Cosmas Kyewuta has made a timely recovery from injury after missing the elite league and he should share the new cherry with Juma Miyagi with Kenneth Waiswa and Riazat Ali Shah the medium-pace options. Old man about town Frank Nsubuga will be the slow-arm option with Henry Ssenyondo and Alpesh Ramjani.
Full Squad
Brian Masaba (Captain), Kenneth Waiswa, Pascal Murungi, Riazat Ali Shah, Ronak Patel, Alpesh Ramjani, Juma Miyagi, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Simon Ssesazi, Ronald Lutaaya, Cyrus Kakuru, Cosmas Kyewuta, Roger Mukasa.
Tour Schedule:
- 15 March (Wed) Arrival
- 16 March (Thur) – 50 over Match 1
- 17 March Friday (Rest)
- 18 March (Sat) 50 over Match 2
- 19 March (Sun) – REST
- 20 March (Mon) 50 over Match 3
- 21 March (Tues) 50 over Match 4 (starting late)
- 22 March (Wed) Departure