Enock Kasaija made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for the Uganda Cricket Cranes on September 10, 2026, against Botswana. The match took place at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, during the ILT20 Continent Cup.

Weeks later, Kasaija gave Uganda another reason to celebrate in Abuja after being named the best bowler at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C, despite the Cricket Cranes falling short in Sunday’s final against hosts Nigeria.

He claimed 11 wickets to finish level with Zambia’s Vieira Tembo as the tournament’s joint leading wicket-taker. However, his better economy rate earned him the Best Bowler award, capping an impressive individual campaign.

Uganda may have lost the final, but their journey in Abuja was far from a disappointment. Finishing runners-up secured the Cricket Cranes a place in the Africa Regional Final, keeping their hopes of reaching the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup alive.

Nigeria, meanwhile, enjoyed a perfect campaign on home soil, winning the qualifier to book their place in the next round alongside Uganda.

Kasaija was not the only Ugandan bowler to leave his mark on the tournament. Fellow Cricket Cranes player Juma Miyagi produced the best bowling figures in an innings, taking five wickets for just seven runs against Mozambique.

Danladi takes top honour

Nigeria’s Isaac Danladi claimed the tournament’s biggest individual prize, being named Player of the Series after scoring 223 runs and taking three catches.

His compatriot Selim Salau was named Best Batter, while Kasaija took the Best Bowler award. The Gambia’s Bubacarr Kuyateh completed the individual honours after being named Best Fielder.

Although Uganda missed out on the title, Kasaija’s recognition and the team’s qualification offered encouragement as the Cricket Cranes look ahead to the next challenge.

Six teams advance

Nigeria and Uganda will be joined at the Africa Regional Final by Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda and Kenya.

Tanzania qualified as winners of Sub-Regional Qualifier B, with Ghana finishing runners-up. Rwanda won Sub-Regional Qualifier A, while Kenya advanced as runners-up.

The six teams will now compete for a chance to move closer to the 2028 World Cup. Namibia have already secured a place in the Global Qualifiers, where they will be joined by the top two teams from the Africa Regional Final.