Opening three games to determine Uganda's fate

By Charles Mutebi 

ICC T20 World Qualifier 

November: 15-30 

Nov 15 v UAE 

Nov 16 v Hong Kong 

Nov 18 v Italy 

Nov 19 v Canada 

Nov 21 v USA 

Nov 22 v Ireland 

Nov 24 v Namibia 

Warm-up matches 

Tuesday: Uganda v PNG 

Thursday: Uganda v Afghanistan 

UGANDA’S chances of achieving a top-six finish at the ICC Twenty20 Qualifier in the UAE are seen by many as dependent on the outcomes of their first three matches. 

Uganda face hosts UAE, Hong Kong and Italy in their opening three tournament fixtures and it is seen as imperative for Uganda to win all if qualification from Group A is going to be achieved. 

Uganda take on Papua New Guinea on Wednesday and Afghanistan on Thursday in two warm-up matches that will offer a good picture of how ready Davis Karashani and his men for the 16-team tournament. 

Uganda group also includes favourites Ireland, heavy-hitters Canada and Nambia. 

While national coach Johan Rudolph is not the type to let his side walk onto a cricket field with anything less than full confidence in their ability, the South African will know which opponents pose the gravest danger. 

Still, Rudolph assured New Vision that he is confident with the resources at his disposal. 

“I believe we have a good balance in the side and we have worked out our rotations quite well and every player knows his role,” Rudolph remarked. 

The results of the warm-up matches will provide a clear picture of that.