In a tension-packed encounter at the T20 World Cup Qualifier Africa 2024, Uganda secured a remarkable victory against Zimbabwe, successfully chasing down a target of 137 with just three balls to spare. Opting to bat after winning the toss, Zimbabwe faced an early setback, losing two wickets with only 12 runs on the scoreboard.
However, Alpesh Ramjani’s aggressive counterattack shifted the momentum with a rapid 40 runs off 26 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes. His partnership of 49 runs with Roger Mukasa’s additional 23 runs laid a strong foundation for Uganda.
The match witnessed an explosive partnership between Dinesh Nakrani and Riazat Ali Shah, adding 38 runs in just four overs and bringing Uganda closer to a historic win. Ali Shah’s crucial 42 off 28 balls, supported by Nakrani’s unbeaten 14 in 10 balls, guided Uganda to the target.
Despite Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza’s late efforts in defending three runs in the last over, Uganda secured the victory with a boundary off the first ball. The loss was a significant setback for Zimbabwe, who had also suffered defeat in their tournament opener against hosts Namibia.
With this win, Uganda climbed to the third position in the points table, having secured four points from three matches. Namibia and Kenya lead the table with six points each, while Zimbabwe finds itself in fourth place with two points from three games.
In the earlier stages of the match, Zimbabwe struggled to a total of 136-7 after choosing to bat. Captain Raza’s explosive 48 runs in 39 balls provided a late surge, but Uganda’s medium-pacer Dinesh Nakrani proved instrumental, returning figures of 3-14 in his four overs.
Zimbabwe now faces a challenging road ahead in the T20 tournament, aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Uganda celebrates a thrilling victory that solidifies its position in the competition. The remaining teams—Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania—have yet to secure a win in the tournament.
In an exclusive interview on the DAFA NEWS cricket show on NewsX, former Zimbabwean cricketer Christopher Mpofu said, “The team is going through a rebuilding process and will take time. We must give them time and back them.”