Dar es Salaam: Uganda and Italy will play official One-Day Internationals for the first time in December after securing the top two spots in the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in Tanzania.
How They Qualified
Italy’s six-wicket win over Hong Kong, China proved decisive for both sides. Chasing 175, the Azzurri got home in 46 overs — Marcus Campopiano unbeaten on 74, Ben Manenti blasting 50 off 32 — to reach 24 points and end Hong Kong’s hopes. Uganda, sitting second on 22 points with a game in hand, could no longer be caught.
Italy were the standout team of the league: 12 wins from 15 matches with the best net run rate. Uganda remained unbeaten through the first two legs before sealing their place in Dar es Salaam.
Historic ODI Debuts
The Qualifier Play-off, running December 1-22, carries full ODI status — meaning every match Italy and Uganda play will be recognised as an official international. They become the 26th and 27th nations to play men’s ODI cricket. For Italy, a country where football dominates, it caps a breakthrough year that also saw T20 World Cup qualification.
The Bigger Prize
The ten-team Play-off feeds into the 2027 World Cup Qualifier, with the top four earning direct berths at the main event. For Uganda’s Cricket Cranes — who missed out on the previous cycle on net run rate — and Harry Manenti’s Italy, December offers two prizes: history, and a genuine shot at the World Cup.
Two Different Journeys
Uganda’s path reflects years of steady investment in cricket infrastructure. The Cricket Cranes were unbeaten through the Challenge League’s first two legs and only missed the previous cycle’s progression on net run rate — this qualification feels like delayed justice. Italy’s rise is the more romantic story: a football nation building a cricket programme largely through its diaspora, now reaping historic rewards.
Both teams enter December knowing the Play-off’s top four reach the main Qualifier — and with it, a genuine World Cup dream. Whatever happens, they will leave as ODI nations.
The Road Ahead
Nepal’s immediate focus is the Cricket World Cup League 2 cycle, where every ODI counts toward the 2027 World Cup qualification. The ACC Premier Cup win provides momentum, but the step up against Full Members at the Asia Cup will demand their best cricket. The Rhinos have earned their place at the table — now they must prove they belong.
