Cricket: Kenya and Uganda in two-horse race

ICC Africa U19 Division One World Cup Qualifier

1-8 July

Today

Uganda v Kenya

Ghana v Botswana

A defining moment and a call for the best of performances by the Uganda U19s as they entertain hosts Kenya at the Jaffrey Ground today in the ongoing ICC Africa U19 Division One World Cup Qualifier.

The two teams are the standout favourites in the four team tournament and with two wins apiece thus far, the contest is already a two horse race.

Kenya are currently leading the log by the difference in the NRR and certainly a win for either side will count much and for the case of Uganda, they need to win the game to avoid playing catch up and the pressure that comes with it.

Uganda comes into the game with a positive reminder of their 26 runs win against Kenya in the 2015 ICC Africa U19 Boys Championship in Tanzania where Uganda finished second to qualify for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Malaysia later the same year though unfortunately didn't qualify for the 2016 World Cup.

The ability to bat deep as evidenced in Uganda's opener against Botswana (330) is the backbone of Kenneth Waiswa and Co who have since capitalized on perfecting it in the build up to the tournament.

"The key to good batting is having good partnerships that's why we made a few changes with Ronald Opio replacing Eddy Agaba as an opener" said Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang earlier.

 Opio so far has the second most runs in the tournament with 124, Kenneth Waiswa is third on 85 followed by Eddy Agaba with 74.Kenya's Aman Ghandi is leading the charts on 145 runs.

Still Uganda should be wary of Kenya's good bowling abilities as seen in the 7 wickets win against Botswana on Sunday.

The four participating teams will face each twice with the overall winner directly qualifying for next year's World Cup in New Zealand.​​