Game 1
Bilateral Series – Uganda in Qatar
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Qatar President XI vs. Uganda
6pm, Asian Town Cricket Stadium
DOHA. Inam ul-Haq and Roger Mukasa will be on opposite sides, leading their respective teams when the inaugural Bilateral Series between Uganda and Qatar bowls off tomorrow evening.
But both concurred that the series will not only be exciting but equally competitive as both countries gear up for future International Cricket Council (ICC)-sanctioned tournaments.
“We have big plans ahead,” said Uganda captain Mukasa, whose team will playing in the ICC World Cricket League in Division IV in Malaysia (April 28 – May 5) as well as the ICC East Africa World Twenty20 Qualifier in Rwanda later in June.
“We started our preparations in Kampala and are looking to gauge ourselves here. We have set goals both as a team and as individuals. We want to do well here. It is very important.”
For Ul-Haq, the pain of missing out on qualification to ICC WCL Division IV still hurts and this series offers a chance for each of their players to not only find their mojo but also win back the faith of their fans.
“Everyone expected us to do well,” revealed Ul-Haq. “We didn’t do well then. But we want to leave that in the past and forge forward. We have regional T20 qualifiers in Kuwait and against Uganda, we have a perfect opponent to help us improve and show our capabilities. We are looking forward to an exciting series.”
The scenic Asian Town Cricket Stadium will offer the perfect cauldron for the five-match series and a good crowd is expected to turn up for the Day-Night Affair since Friday is a always a holiday in the Middle East.