Uganda cricket have created history as they have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 to be played in the West Indies and the USA. With this, all 20 teams have been confirmed for the mega event in the shortest format even as Namibia is the second team from the Africa region to qualify.
Uganda booked their spot in the competition with a nine-wicket victory over Rwanda on Thursday and what followed was a spirited celebration from the team members and staff. It will be joining Namibia as the second side to enter the main tournament from the Africa Qualifier. In the regional final of the Africa Qualifier, Uganda ensured a top-two finish with the victory over Rwanda, their fifth in six matches.
Meanwhile, it is yet another heartbreak for Zimbabwe who have missed out on making it to the World Cup for the second consecutive time as they missed out on the ODI World Cup as well in the qualifiers.
Zimbabwe had to pray for Rwanda’s victory over Uganda to have any hopes of making it to the T20 World Cup. But Uganda skittled Rwanda for just 65 runs in their final game of the tournament and chased down the target in just 8.1 overs with nine wickets in hand to register their fifth win of the competition in six matches.
Uganda Cricket road to glory
In the qualifier, Uganda overcame Tanzania in their opening game by a comfortable margin of eight wickets. However, in the next game, a brilliant 4/17 from Namibian all-rounder David Wiese handed them a six-wicket defeat.
The African side picked up in grand style, defeating the Test-playing Zimbabwe by five wickets. While skipper Sikandar Raza’s 48* starred for his side, Uganda’s bowling effort led by Dinesh Nakrani (3/14), restricted the Chevrons to 136/7.
During the chase, the Cricket Cranes were guided by Riazat Ali Shah (42) and Alpesh Ramjani (40). They won with five wickets to spare in a major cricketing upset.
Lifted by this effort, the side then overcame Nigeria with ease. They followed up with a 33-run win over Kenya, to have one foot into the T20 World Cup.
They ensured the same with a comfortable nine-wicket win over Rwanda. They rendered a top-notch bowling effort, which bowled out Rwanda for merely 65. The target was then chased down by the ninth over mark.
Uganda will become the fifth African nation to play in the T20 World Cup.
On the other hand, Africa Qualifier favourite Zimbabwe failed to secure a berth. Zimbabwe are currently placed third in the regional final with six points, having won three of their five games.
Teams to qualify for T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies, USA, Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Canada, Nepal, Oman, Namibia, Uganda.
Aree wah!!!!!