History makers, the Cricket Cranes have learnt their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup opponents following the release of the group stage draws by ICC.
The Cricket Cranes who secured their first ever World Cup ticket in November at the expense of Zimbabwe, an ODI nation, have been put in Group C.
They will face New Zealand, PNG, Afghanistan and co-hosts West Indies at this World Cup that will run between 4th and 30th June in the West Indies and USA.
Familiar opponents
The Cricket Cranes have some familiar opponents in their group. They will be renewing acquaintance with both PNG and Afghanistan.
Uganda has met Afghanistan once, but they have crossed path with PNG quite a few times. While still in Division 3 in the World Cricket League, Uganda met Afghanistan and they won the game by 14 runs.
Kenneth Kamyuka with 5 wickets was named the Man of the Match as Uganda defended their score of 216/8, but Frank Nsubuga top scored for the Cricket Cranes.
Nsubuga scored 62 runs off 44 balls. Nsubuga remains one of the only two players still present in the team of that 2009 lot.
The other is his young brother, top order batter Roger Mukasa. Mukasa contributed 38 off 48 in that game.
In 2009 in the same World Cricket League, PNG won by 26 runs. Kamyuka again delivered with the ball, picking three wickets and was a 34 not out in the chase, but his effort was just not enough to win the game. Again only the two brothers of the current team featured in that game.
Then in 2014 in the 50 Over World Cup Qualifiers, PNG beat Uganda by 9 wickets after letting the East Africans score only 105/ in 35.5 Overs. Once again only the siblings of the current team featured in that game.
Most recently in 2022 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers that happened in Zimbabwe, Uganda lost by 8 wickets. Simon Ssesazi knocked 78 and Riazat Ali Shah helped with 48, but Assad Avala‘s knock of 93 guided PNG to their victory.
Other World Cup groups
The Cricket Cranes will go to West Indies as complete underdogs, but they will not let their status deter them from trying to achieve the unimaginable.
The United States, the other host is in Group A. They have been pitted against Ireland, Canada, inaugural winners India, and 2009 champions Pakistan.
Holders England are in Group B alongside Namibia, Scotland, Oman and 2021 champions Australia.
South Africa, the other African representative is in Group D. They will come up against Netherlands, Nepal, Bangladesh and 2014 winners Sri Lanka.
Courtesy Photos
