Uganda’s cricket team is set to play Bahrain on February 7, 2025, at the Mission Road Ground in Hong Kong as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B. Captain Riazat Ali Shah leads a squad looking to replicate their previous success. With significant roster changes and a strong preparation regimen, both teams aim for a pivotal win that could impact World Cup qualification prospects.
Uganda’s national cricket team will face Bahrain on February 7, 2025, in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B second round. The match is scheduled to take place at the Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, starting at 4 AM EAT. Captain Riazat Ali Shah will lead Uganda, who look to build on their impressive first-round performance, where they garnered nine out of ten possible points.
After concluding a successful first round in November, Uganda aims to strengthen their position in the qualifiers for the 2027 ICC World Cup. The team’s coach, Abhay Sharma, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, highlighting a 12-day acclimatization camp and a Tri Series against Hong Kong and Bahrain as crucial preparation moments. “We have done the preparation and planning. Now we have to implement it. The results will take care of themselves,” Sharma stated.
Strategically, Uganda has made notable changes to their lineup, replacing young spinner Joseph Baguma with seasoned paceman Bilal Hassun, who offers experience favorable under current pitch conditions. After a challenging travel schedule, Hassun showed readiness to compete by participating in training and consulting with team physiotherapist Udaka Galhena. Captain Ali Shah expressed his positivity, saying, “I am confident we can give Ugandans something to cheer about.”
Both teams have seen changes in their rosters. Bahrain will play without Haider Ali and bowling expert Ali Dawood, while Uganda will miss former captain Brian Masaba and ex-U-19 skipper Pascal Murungi due to various circumstances. Following successful performances previously, Uganda is expected to be a formidable contender in the match.
Projected players for Uganda’s lineup include Riazat Ali Shah (c), Raghav Dhawan, Cyrus Kakuru, Shrideep Mangela, Juma Miyaji, Dinesh Nakrani, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, and Kenneth Waiswa. Notably, Frank Nsubuga will serve as the 12th player.
The ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B is part of the qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup. The current matchup between Uganda and Bahrain signifies a critical phase in the competition, with teams aiming to qualify for the next stage. Uganda has demonstrated strong performance in previous rounds, solidifying its status as a competitor, while roster changes may impact both teams’ performances in this pivotal game.
As Uganda prepares to face Bahrain in the first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, they are focused on maintaining their strong position. With strategic player adjustments and rigorous preparation, both teams aim for victory in this crucial qualifier. The outcome will bring them closer to a spot in the 2027 ICC World Cup qualifiers and affect their standing in international cricket.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
