The ongoing T20 World Cup has witnessed some close and heart throbbing matches as Papua New Guinea (PNG) came so close to beat the mighty West Indies and the game between Oman and Namibia was decided on the super over.
So, should we expect Uganda to trouble or upset the power-packed Afghanistan? Well, let’s just hope?
The two sides will meet each other on 4th of June at Providence stadium, a venue where the game between West Indies and PNG took place.
It has been a long yet tough road for Uganda to make it to the T20 World Cup 2024 and if anything it will inspire and motivate them to make an impression.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s confidence will be skyrocketing after a series victory over South Africa recently and of course their impressive run in the ODI World Cup 2023 as they overpowered the teams like Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka, and Netherlands.
Team Overview:
Uganda:
Uganda reached the T20 World Cup Group Stage through the African Qualifiers defeating Zimbabwe by five wickets – their first victory against a full member side.
The will bank on allrounders like Riazat Ali Shah and Alpesh Ramjani, batter Roger Mukasa, and left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo.
Uganda will look to rejuvenate the spirit that allowed them to beat Afghanistan in 2009 at ICC World Cricket League Division Three.
Although Afghanistan is a strong side, Ugand’s has a varied bowling attack that could trouble any opposition, particularly the three left-arm finger spinners in the side.
Uganda’s strengths are their allrounders, especially Alpesh. He will be leading the pace attack of his side and since 2023, he has scored 469 runs and 65 wickets. So, Alpesh’s impactful contribution can help Uganda to make history
Afghanistan:
Afghanistan’s squad look settled. They will expect Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran to provide the team with a fiery start. The spin trio – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a formidable spin attack. The quicks, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are experienced and have the ability to extract wickets.
And do not forget – Azmatullah Omarzi, a rising star, who has not only showcased his talent with bowling but also emerged as a dependable chunk in the batting as well. In the last edition of the ODI World Cup he scored 353 runs. He is yet to replicate these transformations in the T20 but of course these figures will boost his confidence.
Pitch and weather report:
The surface of this venue is slow and the par score has been 190-plus. About the weather, there is a prediction of rainfall in the evening.
Predictions:
Afghanistan will be looking forward to starting their T20 World Cup campaign with a victory as they will face West Indies and New Zealand later. So, Afghanistan are favourites to win this clash against Uganda.
Head-to-Head record:
Afghanistan and Uganda are yet to play an international game. The upcoming encounter will be their first one against each other.
Where to watch:
Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming), Tamasha app (Live streaming), Tapmad (live streaming)
India – Star Sports
England – SkySport Network
USA and Canada (Willow TV)
Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
UK & Northern Ireland – Sky Sports
Sri Lanka – Maharaja TV
Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
