Cricket

Uganda Celebrates Historic T20 World Cup Victory with Style and GratitudeIn a thrilling encounter at the Twenty20 World Cup, Uganda etched their name in cricketing history with their first-ever victory at the global tournament. Led by skipper Brian Masaba, the Ugandan team overcame a shaky start to secure a dramatic three-wicket win against Papua New Guinea.Despite bowling out PNG for a modest 77 runs, Uganda's chase was far from straightforward. They lost their top three batsmen within the first three overs and were reeling at 26/5 by the seventh over. However, Riazat Ali Shah's composed 33 and Juma Miyagi's supportive 13 steadied the innings.Their crucial 35-run partnership for the sixth wicket proved pivotal, guiding Uganda towards the target with 10 balls and three wickets to spare. The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they overcame early setbacks to achieve a historic milestone.Following the triumph, the Ugandan team lined up on the boundary rope to bow and acknowledge the fans who had traveled from Africa to support them. This heartfelt gesture showcased their unity and gratitude for their supporters.Their celebration continued with a viral video capturing their joyous song and dance on the field. The infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie within the team highlighted the significance of their achievement."First win at the World Cup — doesn't get more special than this," said Masaba after the match. "I'm super proud of this group, the work they put in. To get a win for their country at a World Cup, it's pretty special."Uganda's journey to this historic win began with navigating the African qualifying stages. They ultimately secured their spot in the 20-team global tournament at the expense of Zimbabwe, a long-time full member of the International Cricket Council.The victory marks a significant milestone for Ugandan cricket and serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation. It demonstrates that with hard work, determination, and a strong team spirit, anything is possible.

Uganda's historic World Cup debut on Monday against Afghanistan carries the weight of a nation's aspirations. Captain Brian Masaba acknowledges the immense responsibility, stating, "We carry a whole country's hopes on our backs."Uganda's qualification journey through the Africa Qualifier, where they defeated Zimbabwe and finished second, has ignited excitement both within the team and back home. Masaba emphasizes the significance of this achievement, not only for cricket but for all sports in Uganda.To prepare for the World Cup, Uganda embarked on tours to Sri Lanka and India, as well as intensive intra-squad games. Masaba believes these efforts have equipped the team to face the challenges ahead.Despite being placed in a tough group alongside West Indies, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, Uganda draws inspiration from PNG's close match against West Indies. Masaba notes, "It shows that the gap is not as huge as people want to believe."Masaba highlights the promising young fast-bowling duo of Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta, as well as the seasoned all-rounder Riazat Ali Shah. He emphasizes the team's collective strength, stating, "It's not super reliant on any one person."Uganda's World Cup debut is a testament to the growing strength of cricket in Africa. Masaba expresses his hope that this platform will provide opportunities for young talent and inspire future generations.

The T20 World Cup marks a significant step in cricket's global expansion, presenting opportunities for associate teams to showcase their talent. While the tournament's format includes 20 teams, some groups feature lopsided matchups that may result in one-sided affairs.India's Group A, for instance, includes marquee matches against Pakistan but also encounters with Ireland, USA, and Canada, which may not generate the same level of excitement among fans. Concerns arise about potential consumer fatigue if too many games fail to captivate viewers.However, the ICC's goal of democratizing the sport aligns with similar trends in other major sporting events, such as the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams. The emergence of Morocco as a semifinalist in the last World Cup demonstrates the potential for smaller nations to make an impact.In cricket, Afghanistan's impressive performance in the ODI World Cup last year sparked hopes for a similar breakthrough in the T20 format. The USA, Ireland, and Nepal also possess the ability to challenge top teams.Uganda, a small African nation, has emerged as a particularly inspiring story. Many of its players have grown up in slums, driven by the dream of using cricket as a path to a better life. Coached by Indian Abhay Sharma, Uganda aims to pull off an upset and inspire the sport's global growth.While established teams like India, Australia, and South Africa will likely dominate the tournament's latter stages, an underdog story would add a touch of magic to the event. The T20 World Cup serves as a platform for associate teams to prove their worth and contribute to cricket's global appeal.

Uganda's Cricket Cranes are poised to make their historic debut at the T20 World Cup, a testament to their unwavering determination and the growing popularity of cricket in the East African nation. Despite being overshadowed by football, cricket has taken root in Uganda, thanks to its introduction by British settlers and the influx of Indian laborers.The Cranes, clad in their vibrant red kit, are undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of their new head coach, Abhay Sharma. Time is of the essence as they prepare to face formidable opponents like New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea.Captain Brian Masaba, ranked second in T20 international wins, is optimistic about the team's chances. "If we can pick up a couple of wins, it would be a huge bonus," he said. "But more importantly, the World Cup gives Uganda a platform to showcase our country."Juma Miyagi, a 21-year-old rising star, hopes the World Cup will not only boost Ugandan cricket but also propel his own international career. "I come from the ghetto," he said. "I would like to see myself in one of the biggest leagues in the world and maybe helping out my family."Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the elder statesman of the squad. "Having been playing for the last 27 years, I'm very excited to have qualified for the World Cup," he said. "It was my dream and it has come true."Coach Sharma, with his wealth of global experience, is confident in the team's abilities. "We are going step by step," he said. "We are working on their skill sets and mindset."While expectations are high, Sharma remains realistic. "This is a young team and it is a baby of global cricket," he said. "But they are in good shape and expectations are high."The Cricket Cranes' journey to the T20 World Cup is a testament to their passion, perseverance, and the growing popularity of cricket in Uganda. Their performance on the global stage will not only inspire a new generation of cricketers but also showcase the nation's sporting prowess.

Uganda has made history by qualifying for its first-ever senior men's ICC World Cup in any format, with the team set to participate in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Brian Masaba will lead the 15-man squad as captain, while Riazat Ali Shah has been named vice-captain.The Ugandan team includes a mix of experienced and emerging players, with 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga set to become the oldest player in the tournament. Nsubuga, an offspinning allrounder, brings a wealth of experience to the side.Uganda's qualification for the T20 World Cup is a testament to the growth of cricket in the country. The team emerged victorious from the Africa leg of the qualifiers, defeating strong teams like Zimbabwe.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Uganda will face a tough challenge in Group C, which includes Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the West Indies. The team will play its first match against Afghanistan in Providence, Guyana on June 4.The Ugandan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:* Brian Masaba (capt)* Riazat Ali Shah (vc)* Kenneth Waiswa* Dinesh Nakrani* Frank Nsubuga* Ronak Patel* Roger Mukasa* Cosmas Kyewuta* Bilal Hassun* Fred Achelam* Robinson Obuya* Simon Ssesazi* Henry Ssenyondo* Alpesh Ramjani* Juma MiyajiReserve players:* Ronald Lutaaya* Innocent MwebazeUganda's participation in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is a significant milestone for the country's cricket development. The team will be looking to make a strong impression on the world stage and inspire future generations of Ugandan cricketers.

Abhay Sharma, a seasoned Indian coach, has been appointed as the head coach of the Uganda men's cricket team. This marks a significant milestone for Uganda, as it prepares for its historic debut at the T20 World Cup in June.Sharma brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached notable teams in the Indian domestic circuit, including the Delhi Ranji Team, Rest of India, and India A & B in the Deodhar Trophy. He has also served as the fielding coach for the senior India men's and women's teams, as well as the India A and India Under-19 men's teams."We selected Abhay Sharma for his strong leadership qualities and impressive track record of success at professional and international levels," said Jackson Kavuma, secretary of the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA). "His coaching stints with notable teams demonstrate his deep understanding of the game and ability to nurture players."Sharma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his commitment to the team's aspirations. "I am very grateful to UCA for this opportunity to work with a bunch of talented national cricketers," he said. "Having been in Uganda for just a couple of days, it already feels like my second home.""I am here to contribute to the team's aspirations, which include defeating the top sides in the world in the upcoming World Cup," Sharma added. "Additionally, I intend to focus on the development team and work with as many young cricketers to build numbers."Uganda Cricket has made significant strides in the past year, but Sharma identified areas for improvement, particularly in fielding. "What I have read in the newspapers and what I have seen in the data is that we have lost a couple of opportunities in the field," he said. "And yet even after missing out on those chances, we still qualified for the World Cup!""Imagine how much better we can perform if we address these lapses," Sharma continued. "With enhanced game awareness and mental fortitude, we can compete with the world's best teams on any given day."Uganda allrounder Alpesh Ramjani welcomed Sharma's appointment, saying, "His experience is a fortune for us. It is definitely going to help us in the World Cup, as well as for the development of the players individually."At the T20 World Cup, Uganda will face formidable opponents in Group C, including Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and West Indies. They will kick off their campaign on June 4 against Afghanistan in Guyana.

Uganda Cricket Appoints Abhay Sharma as Head Coach for Men's National TeamThe Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has appointed former Indian first-class cricketer Abhay Sharma as the head coach of the men's national team. This appointment comes as the Cricket Cranes prepare for their historic debut in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States and the West Indies from June 1.Sharma brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role, having worked with prestigious teams such as India A, India Under-19s, the Indian women's cricket team, and the Delhi Ranji Trophy team. His appointment reflects the UCA's commitment to strengthening its coaching setup with seasoned expertise.In a statement released on the UCA's official website, the association expressed confidence in Sharma's ability to lead the Cricket Cranes into a new era of success, citing his "vast knowledge and expertise." Sharma reciprocated the sentiment, affirming his dedication to contributing to the team's ambitions, which include challenging cricketing powerhouses in the upcoming World Cup.Acknowledging Uganda Cricket's impressive performances over the past year, Sharma identified areas for improvement, particularly emphasizing the need to enhance the team's fielding prowess. He believes that with focused training and dedication, the Cricket Cranes can make a significant impact on the global stage.Sharma's appointment is part of a three-year working contract, signaling a long-term vision aimed at fortifying Uganda's cricketing infrastructure and nurturing talent for sustained success. The UCA is confident that Sharma's guidance and expertise will help the Cricket Cranes reach new heights and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.