Cricket Cranes are set to head to Hong Kong, China for the second round of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, scheduled for February 4-16, 2025. After a successful first round at home, where they topped the group with nine points, the team is now focused on consolidating their position as they aim for a spot in the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The team, led by captain Riazat Ali Shah, has made two key changes for this upcoming round. Brian Masaba, the former captain, and Pascal Murungi have been excluded from the squad, making way for newcomers Joseph Baguma and Cyrus Kakuru. Baguma, a spinning all-rounder, will provide additional depth to the team’s bowling attack, while Kakuru will serve as a backup wicketkeeper to Fred Achellam and could also contribute as a batter.
The Cricket Cranes are currently at the top of the six-team group, but with teams like Hong Kong, China and Italy close behind, the next round will be crucial. Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the next stage of the qualifiers, while the bottom two will face relegation.
The team will kick off their campaign against Bahrain on February 7, followed by matches against Singapore, Italy, Hong Kong, and Tanzania. The goal is clear: secure at least four wins to stay on track for a spot in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Full squad: Robinson Obuya, Shrideep Mangela, Raghav Dhawan, Joseph Baguma, Cyrus Kakuru, Kenneth Waiswa, Juma Miyaji, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Frank Nsubuga, Fred Achelam, Henry Ssenyondo
