Uganda Makes History, Qualifies For 2024 T20 World Cup For The First Time Ever With Dominant Win Over Rwanda – News18

History was made at the Wanderers Cricket Ground in Windhoek today. As Uganda batter Simon Ssesazi clipped Rwanda’s Clinton Rubagumya delivery onto the leg side for his 26th run, he ensured not just a dominating win over Rwanda, but also secured Uganda’s first-ever qualification for an ICC World Cup, putting them through to the T20 World Cup set to happen next year.

They ensured the same with a comfortable nine-wicket win over Rwanda. They rendered a top-notch bowling effort, which bowled out Rwanda for merely 65. The target was then chased down by the ninth over mark.

With their qualification, Uganda becomes the 20th and final team to qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup, and also became only the fifth African nation to qualify and feature in an ICC Men’s World Cup.

After starting off their campaign with a stellar win against Tanzania, who stood no chance, Uganda faced a humiliating loss at the hands of a magical David Wiese, who wove a stuning 4/17 spell to put away the Ugandans.

But since then, there has been no turning back for the Ugandan side. They went on to clinch four straight wins, securing five out of a possible six wins in their qualifying campaign to secure qualification alongside African Qualifiers table toppers Namibia.

Uganda’s crowning moment though came in their encounter against the veterans Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe, who are the only Test-playing side in the qualifiers, crumbled against the Ugandans.

Zimbabwe batted first and found the going tough, losing wickets at regular intervals. While skipper Sikandar Raza top-scored with 48*, Uganda’s star was Dinesh Nakrani, who finished with 3/14.

During the chase, Uganda’s effort was led by Riazat Ali Shah (42) and Alpesh Ramjani (40). The African nation chased down the Chevrons’ total in the 19th over with five wickets to spare.

This was the first time Uganda played against a Full Member in T20Is and they won the game by five wickets.

Following their triumph against Zimbabwe, it was merely smooth sailing for the Ugandans, who picked up commandeering wins over the likes of Nigeria, Kenya and finally Rwanda.

To add more insult to injury, Zimbabwe’s inability to qualify for the T20 World Cup makes them the first Test-playing side to not qualify for the esteemed tournament in its history.