Afghanistan’s strong opening partnership sets high target.
Uganda’s bowlers stage late innings comeback.
Farooqi’s five-for dismantles Uganda’s batting lineup.
Uganda gains valuable experience despite heavy loss.
In a historic yet humbling debut at the T20 World Cup, Uganda faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Afghanistan. The match, held in Guyana, saw Afghanistan set a formidable target which Uganda failed to chase, resulting in a 125-run loss. The game highlighted Afghanistan’s dominance and exposed the challenges Uganda faces in competing at the highest level.
The Gurbaz-Ibrahim Show: Setting an Unassailable Target
Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by an explosive opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The duo amassed 154 runs for the first wicket, marking the second-highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history.
Gurbaz opened the floodgates with a lofted six off left-arm spinner Alpesh Ramjani in the first over. He continued his onslaught, hitting four sixes and four fours in his 45-ball 76. Meanwhile, Ibrahim capitalized on a dropped catch early in his innings, punishing Uganda with a series of boundaries. He struck nine fours and a six, compiling a 46-ball 70. Together, they propelled Afghanistan to 183 for 5.
Uganda’s Bowling Resurgence: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the initial onslaught, Uganda’s bowlers staged a commendable comeback in the latter part of Afghanistan’s innings. Captain Brian Masaba and fast bowler Cosmas Kyewuta were pivotal in restricting Afghanistan to below 200. Masaba’s spin and Kyewuta’s pace yielded two wickets each, with Afghanistan losing five wickets for just 31 runs in the final six overs.
Masaba broke the formidable opening partnership by dismissing Ibrahim, followed by Ramjani taking out Gurbaz. Kyewuta then dismissed Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai, ensuring no boundaries were conceded in the last six overs, a rare feat in T20 cricket.
Uganda’s Batting Collapse: Farooqi’s Five-for
Uganda’s chase got off to a disastrous start, undone by Afghanistan’s pace attack led by Fazalhaq Farooqi. Farooqi claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is, decimating Uganda’s top order. His first over saw the dismissals of Ronak Patel and Roger Mukasa with consecutive deliveries, both beaten by pace and swing.
Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan complemented Farooqi’s efforts, with Naveen taking two wickets in the powerplay. Mujeeb Ur Rahman also chipped in, leaving Uganda reeling at 18 for 5. Farooqi returned to clean up the lower order, including a three-wicket over that saw the dismissals of Riazat Ali Shah, captain Masaba, and Robinson Obuya, who was Uganda’s top scorer with 14 runs.
A Learning Curve for Uganda
Afghanistan’s performance underscored the stark contrast in experience and skill between the two teams. For Uganda, this match serves as a crucial learning experience. Despite the heavy loss, their spirited comeback with the ball and moments of resistance in the batting order showed potential.
Masaba’s leadership and Kyewuta’s pace are positives Uganda can build upon. The match also highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in facing high-quality pace bowling and maintaining composure under pressure.
A Tough Start for Uganda
Uganda’s debut in the T20 World Cup was marked by a significant defeat, but the experience gained from playing against a seasoned team like Afghanistan is invaluable. Afghanistan’s dominant performance, led by Gurbaz’s and Ibrahim’s batting and Farooqi’s exceptional bowling, showcased their prowess in the shortest format.
