Team Uganda is building momentum ahead of next month’s ICC Africa Sub-Regional Twenty20 Qualifier by hosting Kenya and Nigeria.
The three countries have been competing in the Pearl of Africa T20 Tri-Series which climaxes with a final between the two East African nations on Friday.
The match set to be played on Friday is a repeat of the inaugural 50-Over Derby Trophy which ended with Uganda beating Kenya 2-1 at the start of last week.
But the Cricket Cranes want the Tri-Series trophy too against coach David Obuya’s side. His Ugandan opposite Laurence Mahatlane was impressed by Uganda’s two wins on Wednesday.
The hosts wrapped up the round-robin format with commanding four-wicket and 55-run victories over Kenya and Nigeria respectively on Wednesday to book a slot in the final.
“Good aggression, good pace and, restricting such a strong Kenya team to 123 gave us a lot of confidence and the young men that got given the opportunity did well,” said Mahatlane.
Now the Cranes, in the absence of skipper Brian Masaba who suffered a hamstring problem, want to win in Entebbe to keep the momentum to the Africa meet set for Rwanda capital Kigali.
“The key thing is that the team is doing well more often regardless of who steps in,” said stand-in captain Deus Muhumuza.
Mahatlane will have some selection following Simon Ssesaazi recent exploits where has struck two half-tons in three Series matches.
Ssesaazi and in-form Saud Islam, who has been part two big 103 and 116-run stands, the biggest T20 international partnerships for Uganda.
Little wonder Islam is leading the batting charts with 194 runs from five innings and Mahatlane has to pick between that pair, Ronak Patel who has struggled for form as well as Arnold Otwani on how the top-order is structured.
With the ball, Henry Ssenyondo who boasts of 10 wickets as well as Bilal Hassun, Charles Waiswa, Gerald Mubiru, Riazat Ali and Dinesh Nakrani and Muhumuza are viable options.
Kenya however may appear as wounded lions but they can still tear flesh apart. The former ODI World Cup finalists have quality in Alex Obanda, wicket-keeper Irfan Karim, skipper Shem Ngoche among others.
PEARL OF AFRICA T20I TRI-SERIES
TODAY’S FINAL - AT ENTEBBE
2pm: Uganda vs. Kenya
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Uganda 172/6 Nigeria 117/7
Uganda won by 55 runs
Kenya 123/10 Uganda 126/6 (19.2 overs)
Uganda won by 4 wickets
Kenya 162/5 Nigeria 103/7
Kenya won by 59 runs
Nigeria 123/8 Uganda 124/2
Uganda won by 8 wickets
Uganda 152/4 Nigeria 96/6
Uganda won by 56 runs
Nigeria 107/8 Kenya 108/2 (11.5 overs)
Kenya won by 8 wickets
Kenya 151/9 Uganda 129/10 (19 overs)
Kenya won by 22 runs
Kenya vs. Uganda
Match washed out
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