Afghanistan easily defeated debutants Uganda in Guyana, setting them a target of 184 and dismissing them for 58.
In their inaugural T20 World Cup match in Guyana, Afghanistan crushed debutants Uganda by 125 runs thanks to a strong bowling and batting display.
After Afghanistan’s 183-5 lead was established on Monday by the opening partnership of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi shined with five wickets at nine runs, reducing Uganda to 58 overs in 16 overs.
Following the game, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan stated, “It was the kind of start we wanted as a team.”
“The attitude is what matters, not who we play.
“It was a fantastic team effort, exemplified by the hard work we have put in over the last few weeks, the way the openers got off to a fast start, and the bowlers’ performances.”
Gurbaz’s 76 from 45 balls, which featured four fours and four sixes, had Afghanistan looking set for a huge total in 2022
Zadran struck 70 off 46 deliveries, including nine fours and a six, showing equally daring form.
The only higher opening partnership in men’s T20 World Cup history was 170, shared by England’s Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, with Gurbaz and Zadran in 2022.
But Uganda was able to retake Afghanistan when Gurbaz and Zadran collapsed in the space of four balls.
After dismissing Zadran in the 15th over to leave the score at 154-1, Masaba made cricket history for the East African nation by getting his country’s first-ever World Cup wicket.
Gurbaz was subsequently taken out by Alpesh Ramjani, who was caught by Riazat Ali Shah at deep square leg for 76.
After Najibullah Zadran was caught by Dinesh Nakrani at deep square leg, Masaba took his second wicket.
Taking the last two wickets was Cosmas Kyewuta.
