Uganda's Cricket Cranes Eye Second T20 World Cup Berth in Zimbabwe

Uganda's national cricket team, the Cricket Cranes, is gearing up for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, aiming to secure a second consecutive spot in the tournament. The team, led by Riazat Ali Shah, will face stiff competition from hosts Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Tanzania in Group B.

By Chris Posiano

September 12, 2025 at 2:14 AM

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The Uganda national cricket team, affectionately known as the Cricket Cranes, is set to embark on a challenging journey to qualify for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India next year. Having made history by qualifying for the 2024 edition in Namibia, the team is eager to repeat the feat.

Road to the Qualifiers

The Cricket Cranes will first tour South Africa from September 12-19, where they will play three warm-up games against provincial sides. This will be followed by a move to Zimbabwe, where they will participate in two more warm-up games before the qualifiers begin on August 26.

Group B Lineup

Uganda is placed in Group B alongside hosts Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Tanzania. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with only the finalists earning a spot in the T20 World Cup.

Team Preparation

The team, led by captain Riazat Ali Shah, has been bolstered by the inclusion of new players such as Tomar Gaurav, Joseph Baguma, Innocent Mwebaze, Sumeet Verma, Shrideep Mangela, and Raghav Dhawan. Head Coach Abhay Sharma expressed confidence in the team's readiness, stating, "Our team is 85 percent ready for the task ahead. What remains is fine-tuning and ensuring belief."

Squad and Schedule

The Uganda squad for the South Africa tour includes:
Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Frank Nsubuga, Dinesh Nakrani Maganlal, Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani Ravilal, Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Juma Miyaji, Shrideep Mangela, Cosmas Kyewuta, Sumeet Verma, Cyrus Kakuru, Gaurav Tomar, Joseph Baguma, and Innocent Mwebaze.

The team's schedule includes:
- September 12: Arrival in South Africa
- September 13: Morning training session
- September 14: Match vs. Titans (Morning)
- September 15: Match vs. Lions (Afternoon)
- September 16: Rest day
- September 17: Match vs. Titans (Morning)
- September 18: Departure for Harare

Tournament Warm-Up Matches

- September 22: Uganda vs. Namibia
- September 24: Uganda vs. Malawi

The Cricket Cranes will open their campaign against hosts Zimbabwe in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. With a well-balanced squad and a determined team spirit, Uganda is poised to give a strong account of itself in the qualifiers.