In a historic encounter, Uganda is set to make its debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Afghanistan. The match, taking place in Guyana, marks the first official T20I meeting between the two teams. Afghanistan, a team on the rise in international cricket, will face Uganda, a team eager to make its mark on the global stage.
South America hosted their last official clash, though this will be their first full-status international match. Back in 2009, Uganda secured a notable victory over Afghanistan in the ICC World Cricket League Division 3. Key players from that match, such as Uganda’s Frank Nsubuga and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, remain pivotal figures for their teams today.
While Afghanistan has continued its upward trajectory in international cricket, Uganda has had to wait over a decade for another shot at a pinnacle event. This match will be their first competitive T20 encounter, as they have only faced each other in warm-up matches since.
Historic First Meeting
Uganda and Afghanistan face off in an official T20I for the first time, marking Uganda’s World Cup debut.
Previous Encounters
Their last official match was in 2009, where Uganda emerged victorious in the ICC World Cricket League Division 3.
Key Veterans
Frank Nsubuga (Uganda) and Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) are the only players from the 2009 match still active in their respective squads.
Afghanistan Spin Strength
Afghanistan renowned spin attack, featuring stars like Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, will be crucial in spin-friendly conditions.
Uganda Recent Form
Uganda has played 35 T20Is in the past year, winning 30 of them, but their record outside Africa is less impressive.
Venue and Conditions
The match will be held at Providence Stadium, Guyana, known for its spin-friendly pitch and possible early seam assistance.
Location
Match Details
- When: June 04, 8:30 pm Local, 6:00 am IST
- Where: Providence Stadium, Guyana
Team Line-Ups
Afghanistan
Recently regrouped after franchise duties, Afghanistan is expected to rely heavily on its strong spin attack in the spin-friendly conditions of Guyana. Their batting order, still being fine-tuned, may see Gulbadin Naib opening alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Ishaq, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad
Uganda
Uganda, experimenting with their batting order in warm-ups, is likely to revert to a more familiar opening pair. The team is expected to field a spin-heavy attack to exploit the conditions, with veteran Frank Nsubuga potentially playing a key role.
Probable XI: Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Brian Masaba (c), Fred Achelam (wk), Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Cosmas Kyewuta
Match Preview Table
| Category | Afghanistan | Uganda |
|---|---|---|
| Probable XI | Gurbaz, Naib, I. Zadran, Omarzai, Ishaq, N. Zadran, Nabi, R. Khan (c), Ahmad, Farooqi, Ahmad Malik | Ssesazi, Mukasa, Obuya, Ramjani, Shah, Nakrani, Masaba (c), Achelam (wk), Nsubuga, Ssenyondo, Kyewuta |
| Captain | Rashid Khan | Brian Masaba |
| Spin Strength | Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad | Frank Nsubuga, Alpesh Ramjani, Henry Ssenyondo |
| Key Player to Watch | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Batting), Rashid Khan (Bowling) | Simon Ssesazi (Batting), Frank Nsubuga (Bowling) |
| Venue | Providence Stadium, Guyana | Providence Stadium, Guyana |
| Conditions | Spin-friendly, possible early seam assistance | Spin-friendly, possible early seam assistance |
| Previous Encounters | 2009 ICC WCL Division 3 (Uganda won) | 2009 ICC WCL Division 3 (Uganda won) |
| Match Date & Time | June 04, 8:30 pm Local, 6:00 am IST | June 04, 8:30 pm Local, 6:00 am IST |
Did You Know?
Mohammad Nabi and Frank Nsubuga have played against more than half of the ICC’s 108 members throughout their careers, with Nabi having faced 45 different opponents and Nsubuga 42. Uganda’s group matches will narrow this gap, with Nsubuga potentially surpassing Nabi if Uganda progresses to the Super 8s.
Quotes
Brian Masaba (Uganda Captain)
“It’s a huge responsibility for us, not just about cricket but carrying our country’s hopes. We’re focused and excited to start our World Cup journey.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan Captain)
“We’re focusing on one game at a time, ensuring we take the right decisions at the right time. We’re ready and looking forward to the competition.”
As Uganda makes its World Cup debut, all eyes will be on this thrilling encounter against Afghanistan, promising an exciting start to Group C’s competition in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.