- Tour Dates: 16-26 March 2026
Cricket Cranes will visit the Eagles of Namibia for a five-game match series that will feature two T20 games and three 50 Over games.
The Cricket Cranes are preparing for a big year in their journey to the 2027 50 Over World Cup, with the final round of the Challenge League B in Tanzania in August the focus.
Uganda is on top of Group B, but aware that any lapse could allow their close rivals, Italy and Hong Kong, to sneak past them as the top two sides will move on to the next round of the qualifiers.
Riazat Ali Shah will lead the side in Namibia, but the inclusion of Anas Baig, Charles Musemeza and Gerald Olipa is a sign that the side is starting to look ahead and trust the young ones.
Musemeza has been pushing the envelope for a long time and has scored so many runs locally but due to the traffic jam ahead of him, his time has taken longer but since he can no longer be ignored, the selectors have given him an opportunity to show what he can do on the international level.
Anas Baig has been rising from the U-19 team, and he gets his opportunity to step up and make a case for himself. His surname, Baig, is familiar with cricket because his father, Akbar Baig, captained the Uganda team before, but he is crafting his own identity, and this rare chance will be important for him. He likes to play an explosive game, but against better quality bowling, you have to take calculated risks.
Gerald Olipa is miles ahead of his mates from the same generation, and after showing glances of class, he is given a chance to step up and swim amongst the sharks. He is still learning, and his game has some rough edges, but he has the qualities of a classy player. He is very strong in the V and has great hands; his handy off-spin could also be useful if required. He is sort of the young version of Roger Mukasa.
Simon Ssesazi makes a return to the Cricket Cranes team since the T20 World Cup in 2024 alongside Kenneth Waiswa. Matthew Musinguzi follows up his Pearl of Africa Series debut with another call-up and Bilal Hassun returns to offer backup to Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta.
It’s a great balance for the team with good youth and experience, who will be facing a side that is hurting from an underwhelming World Cup performance, so this tour will test the boys.
Full Squad
- Riazat Ali Shah (Captain)
- Robinson Obuya
- Simon Ssesazi
- Anas Mirza Mirza Baig
- Kenneth Waiswa
- Cyrus Kakuru
- Charles Musemeza
- Juma Miyaji
- Cosmas Kyewuta
- Bilal Hassun
- Henry Ssenyondo
- Joseph Baguma
- Mathew Musinguzi
- Gerald Olipa
Tour Itinerary
- 18th March: T20 vs. Namibia A
- 19th March: T20 vs. Namibia A
- 21st March: 50 Overs vs. Namibia
- 23rd March: 50 Overs vs. Namibia
- 25th March: 50 Overs vs. Namibia A
