Following a week of disappointing displays that included four losses including two defeats to hosts UAE and Hong Kong, Uganda must pick up the pieces against Italy in their third Group A match of the ICC Global Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers.
And the mood in camp has not slackened as the players are well aware that victory could open a new chapter for the side in their quest for a slot at next year’s World Cup in Bangladesh.
There were changes in the top order with Hamu Kayondo replacing off-form Arthur Koybe but it changed little as Uganda were 6 for 3 under three overs.
Such batting inefficiency from the top order should be nursed when the Ugandans take on the Italians whom they beat by 23 runs at the ICC World Cricket League Div. III tournament in Bermuda back in May.
While Mukasa took four wickets against Hong Kong on Saturday, he ought to concentrate on facing the new ball as his early wicket fall has left the East Africans on a tough tour in Abu Dhabi.
Skipper Davis Karashani and spin counterpart Frank Nsubuga should offer ruthless deliveries to the big hitters Gareth Berg, Andy Northcote, Carl Sandri and Peter Petricola. Failure to win could leave Uganda not only bottom of A but also literally out of the race to Bangladesh.
MONDAY’S FIXTURES
Italy vs. Uganda (Sheikh Zayed Stadium – Abu Dhabi)
Denmark vs. Kenya (ICC Academy Oval I – Dubai)
Canada vs. Hong Kong (Abu Dhabi Nursery Oval I)
Nepal vs. Scotland (ICC Academy Oval 2 – Dubai)
SUNDAY RESULTS
Bermuda 144/8 Netherlands 145/2
Namibia 163/4 USA 128/8
Ireland 138/5 UAE 133/10