KAMPALA, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's national cricket team left for Malaysia Tuesday, determined to stop the Asian country in the 2018 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division Four.
Uganda head coach Steve Tikolo told Xinhua before departure that his team is ready for the game against Malaysia scheduled for April 29.
"This is going to be a tough match because we are the top two ranked teams in the tournament and yet Malaysia will be playing at home. I have asked my players to be determined to get a win in their opening match," Tikolo said.
Speaking about batting, which has been one of Uganda's weakest points in the past, Tikolo said they have addressed it and the players now realize that they must strive to stay longer and play more of a tactical game.
"The many international friendly games the team has played have helped us to learn how to bat better instead of getting excited and going all out for sixes all the time," said the former Kenya international.
He said a win in the opener will help the team to build positive momentum.
"This is a round robin tournament and it makes every game count," he added.
Team captain Roger Mukasa called upon the team to go out and prove that they are good enough to return to Division Three.
"It was disappointing to slip back last year, but we are ready to prove a point and qualify back to Division Three this year," he added.
Uganda will face Bermuda in their second game on April 30 before they face Vanuatu on May 2.
They will battle Denmark and Jersey on May 3 and May 5 respectively before the event enters the playoff finals on May 6.
The best two teams will qualify for division three.
The 2018 ICC World Cricket League Division Four in Malaysia will also form part of the 2017-2022 cycle of the World Cricket League, which determines the qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
