In a dominant display at the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan outclassed debutants Uganda by a staggering 125 runs in their Group C clash. The victory was orchestrated by a phenomenal opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who together pummeled Uganda’s bowlers into submission. However, Afghanistan’s batting faltered towards the end, allowing Uganda a glimmer of hope before their bowling attack ruthlessly extinguished it.
Gurbaz and Zadran were a force to be reckoned with from the outset. They tore into the bowling attack, amassing a colossal 183 runs for the first wicket – the second-highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history by a narrow margin. Their dominance was evident as they reached their respective fifties within the first 10 overs. Gurbaz played a swashbuckling knock of 76 runs off just 45 deliveries, including four sixes and fours each. Zadran, on the other hand, displayed a more composed approach, scoring a well-made 70 with nine boundaries and a single six. This dominant partnership put Afghanistan in a commanding position at 154-0.
However, a dramatic shift in momentum occurred in the latter stages of the innings. Uganda’s bowlers clawed their way back with some disciplined bowling, restricting Afghanistan to just 31 runs in the final six overs. Wickets began to tumble, with Brian Masaba, Uganda’s captain, and Cosmas Kyewuta picking up two wickets each.
Uganda’s batting response was a stark contrast to Afghanistan’s onslaught. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Afghanistan’s pace spearhead, unleashed a fiery opening spell, dismantling their top order with ruthless efficiency. He claimed two wickets in his first over and went on to record a career-best haul of five wickets for a mere nine runs. The rest of the Afghan bowling attack followed suit, with Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan picking up two wickets each. Uganda’s batting crumbled under the pressure, and they were dismissed for a paltry 58 runs – their lowest T20 International total ever – in just 16 overs. While Riazat Ali Shah and Robinson Obuya offered some resistance with a 29-run partnership, Farooqi’s return to the attack effectively sealed the deal for Afghanistan.
This match highlighted the vast difference in experience between the two sides. Afghanistan’s batting prowess, particularly at the top of the order, coupled with their disciplined bowling attack, proved too much for a young Ugandan team. Despite a valiant bowling effort towards the end of the Afghan innings and a brief fightback with the bat, Uganda were comprehensively outplayed in all departments.
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