Uganda will take on Bahrain in their first match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B second round on Friday at 4 AM EAT.
The Cricket Cranes already secured a dominant 150-run victory over Bahrain in the recently concluded Hong Kong Tri-Series and will be aiming for a repeat performance.
Ahead of the match, the Uganda Cricket Association Selection Committee has made a key change to the squad, bringing in paceman Bilal Hassun in place of spinner Joseph Baguma.
The decision was made after a detailed assessment of playing conditions in Hong Kong, which favor pace over spin.
Hassun’s addition bolsters Uganda’s seam attack, which already features in-form bowlers such as Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, and Kenneth Waiswa.
Uganda’s batting unit will once again look to captain Riazat Ali Shah for leadership, while all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani—who starred with both bat and ball in the Tri-Series—will be a key player.
Dinesh Nakrani, fresh from a solid knock in the final against Hong Kong, will also be expected to contribute heavily.
Bahrain, on the other hand, will be seeking redemption after their struggles against Uganda in the Tri-Series, where they were bowled out for just 125 runs.
Their top order, including Rishabh Ramesh and Asif Ali, will need to step up against Uganda’s potent bowling attack.
With both teams vying for crucial points in the Challenge League B standings, Uganda will be eager to extend their dominance over Bahrain, while their opponents will be hoping to cause an upset.
