Hunger, mental strength will be key for Cricket Cranes – Ali Shah

Riazat Ali Shah has highlighted the need for the Cricket Cranes to show hunger and the right mental strength to perform well this year.

The Cricket Cranes all-rounder played a pivotal role for his side in 2022, most notably at the inaugural Africa Cup tournament, where he hit an unbeaten 98 that helped Uganda win the title by eight wickets against Tanzania.

As the squad prepares for the upcoming Africa T20 Cup, Ali Shah says hunger and mental strength will be critical for the side when the campaign gets underway.

“It was tough for us last year because we all wanted to attain ODI status, but we failed, and it hurt so much,” Ali Shah told Pulse Sports.

“We learnt a lot from our mistakes, and now the boys are rearing to go in training; we have to be hungrier and have the right mental strength; that way, we shall be able to do better.”

The 25-year-old also expressed his joy for winning the 2022 Nile Special USPA Cricketer of the Year award.

“2022 had mixed feelings for me; I tried to achieve my targets but wasn’t able to, so I want to do more this year by winning more games.”

“I am happy that I was named the best cricketer in the country; I last won the award five years ago (2018), so winning it again is fantastic.”

Ali Shah who returned from injury to make the Cricket Cranes ODI series squad in Qatar, where Laurence Mahatlane’s side managed two wins and lost twice, will be critical when Uganda hosts the Africa T20 tourney later this year.