Uganda faced a tough debut in the T20 World Cup, losing to Afghanistan by 125 runs in Guyana. Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on a spectacular show, scoring 76 and 70 runs respectively. Their powerful partnership of 154 runs set a daunting target of 183 for 5. Gurbaz hit four sixes and four fours, while Ibrahim added nine fours and a six, making it difficult for Uganda to control the game.
Despite the strong start, Uganda’s bowlers showed resilience in the latter part of Afghanistan’s innings. Captain Brian Masaba and fast bowler Cosmas Kyewuta each took two wickets, limiting Afghanistan to 31 runs in the last six overs and preventing them from crossing the 200-run mark.
When it was Uganda’s turn to bat, they struggled right from the start. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s exceptional bowling devastated Uganda’s top order, securing his first five-wicket haul in T20 internationals. He dismissed Ronak Patel and Roger Mukasa in his first over, setting the tone for Afghanistan’s dominance. Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan also contributed, with Uganda losing wickets rapidly and managing only 58 runs in 16 overs.
Riazat Ali Shah and Robinson Obuya tried to resist, adding 29 runs for the sixth wicket, but Farooqi returned to take three more wickets, ending Uganda’s hopes. Rashid Khan wrapped up the innings, taking the last two wickets.
Despite the heavy defeat, Uganda showed glimpses of potential, especially with their late bowling comeback. The team will now turn their focus on their next fixture against PNG on June 6, 2024.
