News Update
Tezzbuzz|17-05-2024
Group C consists of Test nations New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan along with two non-Test nations Papua New Guinea (East Asia-Pacific Qualifier) and Uganda (Africa Qualifier).
It is clear that the challenge is difficult for both of them but there is a strong intention to make their presence felt.Papua New Guinea
The team is ready to participate in the T20 World Cup for the second time. Last played in the tournament in 2021 and that season's captain Asad Vala has this responsibility this time too.
Qualified through the East Asia-Pacific Region Finals in July 2023 – winning all 6 matches. Defeated Japan, Vanuatu and Philippines and the reward was to select 14 players from the qualifying group. 10 players have been selected for the 2021 World Cup team. There was a Covid environment during that tournament and hence the team hopes to perform better this time, without that fear.Young Khabbu Orthodox spinner John Kariko is the youngest player in the team – he played in the Under-19 World Cup in 2022 and also took 5 wickets against Uganda.
There are at least 8 all-rounders in the team.Former Australia international Nathan Reardon is the assistant coach while the chief coach is ex-Zimbabwe keeper Tatenda Taibu.
Team: Asadullah Wala (captain), CJ Amini (vice-captain), Eli Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vere, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Wagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamia, Sese Baugh, Tony Ura.
Group match schedule and Indian match time
June 02, 2024, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 8.00 PM vs West Indies
June 06, 2024, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 5.00 am vs Uganda June 14, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago – 6.00 am vs Afghanistan June 17, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago – 8.00 pm vs New Zealand
uganda
Brian Masaba is the captain in Uganda's debut mission in the ICC T20 World Cup. After a stellar performance in qualifying, which also saw them shock Zimbabwe, they are now set to take on the more renowned teams of West Indies, New Zealand and Afghanistan.
Riyazat Ali Shah (born in Gilgit, Pakistan) is the vice-captain. The most talked about player in the team is 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga – he will be the oldest player in the tournament. Mohammed Nadeem and Naseem Khushi from Oman are 41 years old. He has been playing for Uganda since 1997. Spin-bowling all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani is also in the news – nominated for the ICC Men's T20 International Cricketer of the Year in 2023 for the most T20 International wickets in the year (55 which were at an economy of less than 5). His fellow Khabboo Orthodox spinner Henry Ssenyondo also took 49 wickets in 2023.
Young Juma Miyaji played in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup in West Indies. Now Uganda will participate in its senior World Cup debut in any format. By the way, it is important to mention that Ugandan players were in the East Africa team that played in the 1975 ODI World Cup – these two players were Samuel Walusimbi and John Nagenda.
The team's coach is former Indian first-class cricketer Abhay Sharma, who has been the fielding coach of India's Under-19 team. It is due to his efforts that the team is currently in Sri Lanka – for a 2-week training camp which includes matches against Sri Lanka A and Army XI.
Team: Brian Masaba (captain), Simon Ssesazzi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyuvuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Sessendo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah (vice-captain), Juma Miyaji, Raunak Patel. Traveling Reserve: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya.
Group match schedule and Indian match timeJune 04, 2024, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 6.00 am vs Afghanistan
June 06, 2024, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 5.00 am vs Papua New Guinea June 09, 2024, Providence Stadium, Guyana – 6.00 am vs West Indies June 15, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad & Tobago – 6.00 am vs New Zealand