New Zealand vs Uganda
Providence, 8.30pm local
Ugandan cricket has plenty of distance to travel, but it’s had a showing at a World Cup now. There has been a heartbeat there for much of the last 50 years, but it’s now as loud as it ever has been. Uganda just want to get another solid performance under their belt. An upset? This is of course the dream.
New Zealand, now out of the tournament, having lost badly to Afghanistan then more narrowly to West Indies, have less to gain. Already there are assertions that the greatest era of New Zealand’s cricket is over, and some rebuilding must begin. Tim Southee and Trent Boult are not the forces they once were, perhaps, and that top order seems short of firepower.
A big showing against Uganda won’t necessarily crush those critiques. But there will at least be an opportunity for a proud group of players to reassert themselves.
New Zealand LLLWW (Last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
UgandaLWLWL
In the spotlight: Riazat and Williamson
Pitch and conditions: Slower pitch in Tarouba
No rain is forecast for Tarouba on Friday night. The pitches at the Brian Lara Stadium have not been conducive to run-fests. They have had a bit of turn for the spinners, and rewarded bowlers who take the pace off.
Barring last-minute injuries, Uganda seem unlikely to make too many changes.
Uganda: 1 Roger Mukasa, 2 Simon Ssesazi (wk), 3 Robinson Obuya, 4 Alpesh Ramjani, 5 Riazat Ali Shah, 6 Kenneth Waiswa, 7 Dinesh Nakrani, 8 Brian Masaba (capt), 9 Juma Miyagi, 10 Cosmas Kyewuta, 1 Frank Nsubuga.
Ish Sodhi is the only member of New Zealand’s squad to not get a game so far in this World Cup. He could come into the side if conditions are expected to favour spin.
New Zealand: 1 Devon Conway (wk), 2 Finn Allen, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Kane Williamson (capt), 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 James Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Lockie Ferguson.