UGANDA Cricket Association (UCA) sent a strong squad which will face their Rwandan counterparts in five Twenty20 friendly matches, which got underway with the first match on Friday at Kicukiro Oval.
The hosts badly in the badly after the visitors, who batted first, put on 161 runs in 20 overs and in their chase, Rwanda could only manage 71 runs all out in 17.3 overs.
Uganda is represented by Pepsi Boys Schools Cricket Week champions Mukono Parents combined with a few select players to boost their side.
The Uganda Cricket Association CEO Justin Ligyalingi told RED Pepper on Thursday that they are optimistic the tour of Rwanda will be a learning platform for their young boys.
“The main goal of such tours is to give exposure to these budding stars,” CEO Justin Ligyalingi told reporters after National Council of Sports general secretary Jasper Aligawesa flagged off the 15-man contingent at Lugogo.
“These boys are the pick of the lot and we are optimistic Rwanda will further be a learning platform for them.” The side that will be led by U-19 skipper Derrick Bakunzi of Mukono Parents will do without the tournament’s man-of-series Simon Ssesaazi, who has a tight academic schedule.
“Ssesaazi is a pillar but his void will give a chance to other youngsters to show their capabalities,” said coach Habib Mugalula.
The Mukono Parents top order batsman scored 279 runs and picked 15 wickets in seven matches.
On the other hand, Rwanda will be using these matches to prepare the national U-17 team ahead of the regional youth tournament expected for December
On Sunday, Rwanda XI and Uganda XI will play two matches at Kicukiro Oval.
Saturday
Rwanda vs Uganda
Rwanda vs Uganda
Sunday
Rwanda XI vs Uganda 7.30am
Rwanda XI vs Uganda 12pm
Source:the redpepper
