Uganda Cricket Team, ranked 23rd in ICC’s Men’s T20I Team Rankings, pulled off a surprise win against higher-ranked Zimbabwe in the Africa Region Qualifier for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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With this win, Uganda climbed to third place on the points table, trailing Namibia and Kenya. Zimbabwe, the sole Test-playing nation in the competition, sits fourth with two points, needing favorable results to secure a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe struggled while batting first, losing wickets regularly. Although skipper Sikandar Raza scored 48*, Uganda’s standout performer was Dinesh Nakrani, claiming 3/14.
During the chase, the Uganda cricket team batting was pivotal, led by 25-year-old Riazat Ali Shah from Gilgit, Pakistan, who’s played over 50 T20I matches for Uganda.
Alongside Alpesh Ramjani (40), Riazat played a key role as Uganda chased down Zimbabwe’s total in the 19th over, securing victory by five wickets.
Uganda’s rise to third place on the points table follows leaders Namibia and Kenya. Zimbabwe, the lone Test-playing nation in the mix, currently sits fourth with two points. Their path to qualifying for the T20 World Cup next year hinges on securing favorable results in upcoming matches.
This marked Uganda’s first encounter with a Full Member in T20Is, clinching a five-wicket win.
Only the top two teams from the Region Qualifier advance to the T20 World Cup 2024.
