Related Articles
Botswana and Uganda square off for the second time in the African Continental Cup 2024 at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, Kigali City, on Monday, December 9, 2024. Uganda, currently unbeaten with five wins in five matches, sit atop the points table and have already defeated Botswana by a massive 78-run margin earlier in the tournament.
Botswana, with two wins in five matches, are tied with Nigeria on points but trail in net run rate. A victory is crucial for their qualification hopes, while Uganda will look to maintain their dominance.
Teams Preview
Botswana Preview
Botswana started the tournament poorly with three consecutive losses, including a 10-wicket defeat to Rwanda. However, they bounced back with consecutive wins against Nigeria and Rwanda to keep their playoff hopes alive.
In their last game, Botswana restricted Rwanda to 112 runs, thanks to a stellar performance by Michael Badenhorst, who took 4/21. The chase was spearheaded by Tharindu Perera, who scored a match-winning 48 off 42 balls, leading the team to a six-wicket victory.
Botswana’s top order, led by captain Karabo Motlhanka and Tharindu Perera, will be key in this encounter. Their bowling unit, featuring Mmoloki Mooketsi, Thatayaone Tshose, and Badenhorst, has shown promise but will need a collective effort to challenge Uganda.
Key Players: Tharindu Perera, Michael Badenhorst, Thatayaone Tshose
Predicted Playing XI:
Karabo Motlhanka (c), Thatayaone Tshose, Tharindu Perera, Mmoloki Mooketsi, Phemelo Silas, Valentine Mbazo (wk), Boemo Khumalo, Reginald Nehonde, Michael Badenhorst, Katlo Piet, Vinoo Balakrishnan
Uganda Preview
Uganda has been the most consistent team in the tournament, winning all five of their matches. They head into this game fresh off a commanding seven-wicket victory over Nigeria, where their bowlers restricted the opposition to 103 runs.
Henry Ssenyondo was the star performer, claiming 5/8 in a masterful spell. With 14 wickets in the tournament, he has been instrumental in Uganda’s success. Robinson Obuya is the leading run-scorer, amassing 208 runs, including a match-winning 67 off 42 balls against Nigeria.
Uganda’s batting lineup, led by Riazat Ali Shah, Simon Ssesazi, and Obuya, is well-balanced, while their bowling attack, featuring Frank Nsubuga, Dinesh Nakrani, and Ssenyondo, has been exceptional.
Key Players: Henry Ssenyondo, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah
Predicted Playing XI:
Simon Ssesazi (wk), Robinson Obuya, Pascal Murungi, Riazat Ali Shah (c), Dinesh Nakrani, Raghav Dhawan, Juma Miyagi, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Cosmas Kyewuta, Henry Ssenyondo
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. Medium pacers and spinners have been effective, especially those with disciplined line and length.
- Average First-Innings Score: 146
- Ideal Target: 160-170 runs
- Best Strategy: Bowl first
Weather Report
Conditions are expected to be pleasant with partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will hover around 25-26°C, with no rain forecasted, ensuring uninterrupted play.
BO vs UGA Fantasy XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | Riazat Ali Shah, Tharindu Perera, Simon Ssesazi |
| All-rounders | Michael Badenhorst, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani |
| Bowlers | Thatayaone Tshose, Frank Nsubuga, Boemo Khumalo |
| Wicketkeeper | Karabo Motlhanka |
Winning Prediction
Uganda’s flawless performance in the tournament, coupled with their previous victory over Botswana, gives them a significant edge. Botswana has shown resilience in their last two matches but will need an extraordinary effort to upset the tournament leaders.
Prediction: Uganda to win
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 10000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
Download Our Cricket Pandith Android App
