Skipper Brian Masaba is excited about Uganda’s first Twenty20 (T20) World Cup match against Afghanistan in Providence on Monday.
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MASABA ‘EXCITED TO GET GOING’ UGANDA’S FIRST T20 WORLD CUP MATCH
Masaba said the team is excited for Uganda’s debut T20 World Cup matchup against Afghanistan, as he described it as “huge.”
“Absolutely huge game for us, our first game at a World Cup, first ever for Uganda in our history,” the Uganda skipper said.
“We are very excited to get going. There’s obviously a lot of excitement back home,” he added.
Uganda defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in the Africa qualifier by finishing second to advance to the World Cup.
Fellow qualifier Namibia inflicted Uganda’s lone loss in the qualifier.
Uganda will join West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea in their T20 World Cup group.
UGANDA’S T20 WORLD CUP STINT ‘NOT JUST ABOUT CRICKET ANYMORE,’ SAYS MASABA
Masaba cited the importance of Uganda’s historic T20 World Cup stint, saying the feat is even “beyond cricket anymore.”
“It’s a huge responsibility for us, it’s not just about the cricket anymore, but we carry a country’s hopes on our backs,” the captain said.
“It’s not just a first for us in cricket, but I believe we are the third team in any sporting discipline in the country to qualify for the World Cup,” he added.
Uganda is playing in its first cricket World Cup match – T20 or ODI (One Day International).
“It’s a huge challenge for us. It’s a tough group, but we look forward to the challenge,” Masaba assured.
UGANDA HAS RISING TALENT TO CONTEND IN T20 WORLD CUP
Uganda has the potential to compete against the best in the T20 World Cup due to the promising talent around the team, Masaba said.
Furthermore, the skipper cited the fast-bowling duo of Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta, as well as veteran Riazat Aku Shah as examples.
“They (Miyagi and Kyewuta) have done well for us over the last couple of years and being as young as they are, it’s very exciting to see them do what they do,” Masaba said.
“But you know we’ve got seasoned performers like Riazat Ali Shah as well, super talented lad, allrounder,” he added.
Additionally, Masabi described the composition of the team as “a very dynamic team,” adding that they are “not reliant on any one person.”
