National cricket team begins ICC CWC Challenge in Uganda today

Entebbe, UGANDA: THE Tanzania national men’s cricket team will kick off its ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B campaign today against Italy at the Entebbe Oval in Uganda.

The 11-day tournament, which began yesterday, saw host nation Uganda face Singapore in the opening match. The matches are scheduled at two venues; the Lugogo Oval in Kampala and the Entebbe Cricket Oval, with the competition set to conclude on November 16.

Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) Chairman, Balakrishan Sreekumar, confirmed that the national team arrived safely in Uganda on Monday and is ready to take on the challenge.

The Tanzanian team will compete against Uganda, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Italy and Singapore in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. Captained by Abhiki Patwa, the squad features the following players: Halidy Amiri, Akhil Anil, Laksh Bakrania, Harsheed Chohan and Mohamed Issa. Others are Ally Kimote, Omary Kitunda, Maker Mukesh, Kassim Nassoro, Amal Rajeevan, Asuri Rajendra, Ivan Selemani and Sanjay Kumar Thakor.

Sreekumar expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, saying: “With their eyes set on victory, the team is determined to give their best as they embark on the journey toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. Let’s all cheer them on as they take the field and make Tanzania proud.”

Ahead of the tournament, the team was honoured with a special flag-off ceremony at the TCA grounds in Dar es Salaam. National Sports Council (NSC) Sports Officer, Charles Maguzu, was the chief guest at the event, where he presented the Tanzanian flag to Captain Patwa.

Maguzu delivered a message of encouragement, urging the players to represent Tanzania with pride and to showcase the nation’s growing cricketing potential.

“The handover of the flag symbolizes not just the official send-off of the team, but also the support and hopes of the entire nation as they embark on this challenging road to the 2027 ODI World Cup,” said Maguzu.

The event was attended by TCA Vice Chairman, board members and other cricketing leaders, all of whom expressed their full support for the team as they embark on this crucial journey.

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Tanzania’s first match against Italy takes place today and their second game will be on Saturday against host nation Uganda at Lugogo Oval. The team will then face Hong Kong on November 12 in Entebbe, followed by a match against Singapore the next day at Lugogo. Tanzania’s final group match is scheduled for November 15 against Bahrain, also at lugogo oval.