A strong opening stand and Fazalhaq Farooqi’s five-wicket haul gave Afghanistan a 125-run win against Uganda in a match of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Guyana.
In reply to 183, Uganda were bundled out for 58 in 16 overs as stunning bowling performance provided an edge to Afghanistan.
Fazalhaq Farooqi gave Afghanistan the perfect start dismissing Ronak Patel (4) and Roger Mukasa (0) off back-to-back deliveries. While he missed out on a hat-trick, with Riazat Ali Shah surviving by the barest of margins, Afghanistan had their third when Mujeeb Ur Rahman dismissed Simon Ssezai for 4.
When Naveen-ul-Haq the third bowler to be introduced in the game, picked two wickets in his first over, Uganda were in dire straits at 18/5.
A brief stand between Riazat Ali and Robinson Obuya steadied the ship temporarily, but Farooqi returned to deliver further blows and strengthen Afghanistan’s grasp on the game. Farooqi finished with 5/9, while the finishing blows were delivered by skipper Rashid Khan.
Earlier, Afghanistan were put to bat first by Uganda. With an exception opening stand, they managed to build a strong total of 183 runs for rivals.
Farooqi was named Player of the Match for his electric performance. His figures were the fourth best in a Men’s T20 World Cup.
