Uganda kept their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup with a historic 5-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Sunday at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Cricket Cranes entered the game on the back of a disappointing loss to Namibia, but they were determined to make a comeback despite only facing Zimbabwe for the first time in their history.
This win not only put the Cricket Cranes back on track of qualifying for the World Cup, it was the first time Uganda was beating a Test playing nation.
Still not over this win🎊🎊🎊. History was made. Dreams coming to reality!@NBSportUg @CricketUganda @KayongoDAdrian @PlasconUganda #CricketCranesInColour pic.twitter.com/zb0ETRitBY
— Kakwanzi Nina Iliza (@ninakakwanzi) November 27, 2023
After being sent in to bat first by Cricket Cranes captain Brian Masaba, Zimbabwe, who are the top ranked side in this competition managed only 136/7.
Dinesh Nakrani and the captain himself made sure of this with some mean bowling. Nakrani picked three wickets while conceding only 14 runs from his Overs while the captain conceded just 9 off his three Overs.
Henry Ssenyondo came in handy as well with the ball as he dismissed two. It was a great bowling display that needed to be backed by the batters.
But Uganda’s chase couldn’t have started any worse. Inside power play, both the openers were ejected. Simon Ssesazi managed to face just two balls before being run out while Ronak Patel got caught with only eight runs to his name.
The Turning point
However, once Alpesh Ramjani entered the crease, the game started going Uganda’s way. Ramjani faced just 26 balls, but he dragged the game Uganda’s way with a return of 40. And when he was dismissed, Riazat Ali Shah did what he understands best, getting Uganda over the line.
Rizu walked in after Ramjani leaving, and off he got his innings to a good start. He hit Tendai Chatara two fours in a succession in the early stages of the innings before destroying the same bowler in the penultimate Over with two fours and a six.
Riazat departed courtesy of Tadiwanashe Marumani‘s catch but as it turned out, damage was already done.
Kenneth Waiswa replaced Rizu at the crease! He faced only two balls before the game was done and dusted with five balls to spare.
Nakrani who also saw off the innings came out with 14 runs while Roger Mukasa had 23 to his name.
The victory means Uganda have the fate in their own hands. They have faced both Namibia and Zimbabwe, now all they need to do is win all their remaining three games to book a place in next years World Cup in the West Indies and USA.
They play Nigeria next on Monday, before another crunch tie against bitter rivals Kenya. Uganda will then finalize their campaign against Rwanda on Thursday.
Courtesy Photos
