|
Eyes
On Africa : A Special Feature by Hemant Sharma
from Lusaka, Zambia |
UGANDA
This Central
African country of Uganda shares a long history
in Cricket along with its neighbours Tanzania
and Kenya. Ugandan Cricket is blossoming at the
right time, Becoming ICC Associate Member in
1998, There is a
good increase in the number of players playing
the game. Around 675
Senior players are active and around
12,615 Junior players
make the game alive in this part of the
world.There are 24
Grounds in Uganda with the pitches of
Artificial, Astro Turf and Concrete in nature.
Uganda
became the second team to qualify from Africa
for the 2005 Mini
World cup in Ireland
after they came second in the August WCQS
tournament in Zambia.They were beaten only once
by the eventual champions Namibia.
ICC RDM Hoosain Ayub
is the main man
who has helped Ugandan Cricket stand on its own
by his continual guidance and help. He was a
satisfied man to see the progress of the Ugandan
players, many of whom are almost
hand crafted
by him.
| ICC
Status : |
Associate Member |
|
Elected to ICC |
1998 |
| No of players
|
675 |
| No of clubs |
Unknown |
| World Cup : |
Never appeared |
| ICC Trophy Best : |
Never appeared |
| Address
of governing body : |
Uganda Cricket
Association,
c/o National Council of Sports Headquarters,
Lugogo Stadium,
PO BOX 8346, Kampala, Uganda |
ICC WC qualifying trophy latest
7th August,2004.Namibia finishes
Unbeaten,Uganda come second.
Uganda 125 all out
Namibia 126/3
What was tipped as the clash of the two best
sides in the week long event could not deliver
the much expected competitiveness. Namibia who
was the favorite team from the onset of this
tournament didn'd allow the highly impressive
Uganda team any chance to displace them from
their reign.Namibia ended the Ugandan challenge
when the central Africans were bundled for just
125. The anticipation and expectations of the
people to witness a close match between the two
best teams of the tournament so far didnt last
long. And as a habit of this ruthless Namibian
side, this game too ended before the full 100
overs were bowled in the day. Namibia gathering
full 25 points from their 5 games ended with
rank 1. Although the result of this game would
have had no impact on the qualifications, but
the Uganda team was hoping to overcome the
mighty south-western Africans and win more than
just respect. Playing the game in the best of
spirits, these two teams have earned their right
now to represent Africa in the 2005 Ireland Mini
World Cup.
6th August,2004.Zambian batting fails
again, Uganda continues to impress.
Zambia 125 all out
Uganda 126/5 (34 ovr)
If 6 ducks in the previous game wasn't enough
to ruin their chances of qualifying for the Mini
World cup, Zambia opted to have 5 more ducks
today against the motivated Ugandans. If half of
your batting line up goes scoreless, then it is
urgently required to be reminded that cricket is
a team game of 11. A target of 126 in 50 overs
is more of a formalty rather than a challenge,
and the Ugandans overcame this without too much
trouble. The home team bowlers did try to keep
the morale of the optimistic home crowd up by
some periodic spicy bowling but the Uganda boys
showed character and determination which is why
they have remained undefeated right through the
last 4 days. Uganda now qualifies for Ireland
along with Namibia while Zambia had some relief
when it was known that they still have a chance
to make it to Ireland as they have to play the
Playoffs in Malaysia now. Uganda plays Namibia
tomorrow to determine who is the better of the
two undefeated teams. While Zambia should take
tomorows match against neighbouring Tanzania as
an important practise game even as the results
will not affect their qualification for
Malaysia.
4th August,2004. Nigerian woes
continue against Uganda.
Uganda 240/8
Nigeria 118 all out
Centrals Cricket Club witnessed its first
game of the tournament in which Uganda didnt
find much trouble in beating the disappointing
Nigerian team. Batting first, Uganda mustered up
240 for 8 in their 50 overs. The agile fielding
of Nigeria is the only thing that impresses if
other departments disappoint. While chasing the
target of 241, the West Africans did manage to
cross the 100 run mark for the first time in
this competition but their run chase eventually
ended on 118. With nothing goin their way, the
only thing it seems bright for Nigeria is that
they have a game to play against Tanzania
tomorrow who are not in a winning mood
themselves..
3rd August,2004. Uganda humble
Botswana.
Botswana 167 all out
Uganda 168/6(42ovr)
Lusaka South Cricket Club (LSCC) witnessed
Botswana being outplayed by the Central
Africans. Batting first the promising Botswana
team could only manage 167. The highly spirited
Ugandan team without much pain or difficulty
reached their target thus denying the Botswana
team to have any points against their name. With
this loss, the Botswana team's progress to the
WC qualifiers is pretty much impossible as their
next match is scheduled against favorites
Namibia who haven't shown any sign of weakness
or complacency.
2nd August,2004. Tanzania disappoints
against Uganda.
Tanzania 69 all out
Uganda 70/2
Strong Contenders Uganda overwhelmed a young
Tanzanian side at Lotus Club grounds. Batting
first, Tanzania struggled with some brilliant
balling display by the incisive Ugandan attack
and could only manage a small disappointing
total of 69.The Ugandans, in reply took things
easily and managed to finish the match early and
scored the necessary 70 with 8 wickets to spare.
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