WT20Q team preview: Uganda
Having reached this stage thanks to a monumental victory against Zimbabwe last year, Uganda arrive in the Netherlands full of confidence.
The Lady Cranes toppled Zimbabwe on 17 September, 2017 and subsequently secured their position as winners of the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Africa Qualifiers. It was a historic outing for Uganda. Gertrude Candiru was a menace with both bat and ball in that famous win, notching 3/14 before seeing her side home with 23 not out.
Since then they have suffered defeats at the hands of Namibia and Kenya in the T20 format, but bounced back to topple Zimbabwe again in May, winning by seven runs. Most recently, Uganda lost to the UAE in a warm-up match on Wednesday, Immaculate Nakisuuyi's knock of 33 proving in vain as they fell 29 runs short of their opponent's 128/5.
Uganda possess a young, hungry side that will be keen to display their talents on this stage.
Their skipper Kevin Awino was full of confidence ahead of their opening fixture against Scotland on Saturday.
"This will be our debut at this level, but we are taking this as a great opportunity to show our talent. The sides in our group are more experienced but this should not stop us from showing what we are capable of.
“Playing at the World T20 qualifier is a big step in the right direction as this event will provide us the experience and exposure that will be invaluable for the future. We all are excited and looking forward to not only playing against the more experienced sides, but also learning from them and building relationships. The chance is there and we are ready to take it. The people of Uganda will be excited, because they believe in us and they are supporting us."
Player to watch out for
Joyce Apio was the pick of Uganda's bowlers in the warm-up defeat to UAE, returning the impressive figures of 2/16 from her four overs. The 21-year-old will be one to keep an eye on in this tournament.
History in the WWT20Uganda have never qualified for the ICC Women's World T20.
Squad: Kevin Awino (c & wk), Joyce Mary Apio, Consylate Aweko, Getrude Candiru, Siadat Kemigisha, Janet Mbabazi, Rita Musamali, Frankline Najjumba, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Mary Nalule, Prico Nakitende, Stephanie Nampiina, Carol Namugenyi, Rachael Ntono. Francis Ngede
**Schedule:**July 7: v Scotland
July 8: v Thailand
July 10: v Ireland