* Afghan openers blaze 154 run opening stand inside 15 overs
By Marlon Dale Ferreira
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on a spectacular display with a 154-run opening stand, while Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed his first five-wicket haul in T20Is, as Afghanistan began their World Cup campaign with a resounding victory over Uganda.
In their Group C game in Guyana, Afghanistan posted a formidable 183 for 5, thanks to Gurbaz’s 76 off 45 balls and Ibrahim’s 70 off 46. The pair blasted 18 boundaries in the first 14 overs, with Gurbaz hitting four sixes and Ibrahim striking nine fours and a six.
Despite a middle-order collapse, where Afghanistan lost 5 wickets for 31 runs in the final six overs, Uganda couldn’t capitalize. Their captain Brian Masaba and fast bowler Cosmas Kyewuta each took two wickets, but it wasn’t enough to halt Afghanistan’s momentum.
Uganda’s reply was disastrous as they were bowled out for just 58 runs in 16 overs. Farooqi was the star, taking 5 for 9, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq and captain Rashid Khan, who picked up two wickets each. Farooqi’s impressive spell included removing Ronak Patel and Roger Mukasa in consecutive deliveries, setting the tone for a dominant bowling performance.
Riazat Ali Shah and Robinson Obuya offered brief resistance, adding 29 runs for the sixth wicket, but Farooqi returned to dismantle Uganda’s lineup, securing his five-for. Rashid finished the job, trapping Bilal Hassan and bowling Henry Ssenyondo.
Afghanistan’s comprehensive 125-run victory underscored their prowess and highlighted the gap between the two teams, as they look forward to more challenges in the World Cup.
Chief Scores
Afghanistan 183 for 5 in 20 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 76, Ibrahim Zadran 70, Brian Masaba 2 for 21, Cosmas Kyewuta 2 for 25)
Uganda 58 all out in 16 overs (Robinson Obuya 14, Fazalhaq Farooqi 5 for 9, Naveen Ul-Haq 2 for 4, Rashid Khan 2 for 12)
Player of the Match – Fazalhaq Farooqi
