Afghanistan has secured a resounding 125-run victory over Uganda in the fifth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday. This triumph, which ranks as the fourth-largest victory in terms of runs in the tournament’s history, underscores Afghanistan’s growing dominance on the global cricket stage.
Led by captain Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s formidable display began with their decision to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set a solid foundation, posting half-centuries and orchestrating a 154-run partnership that propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 183/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
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Gurbaz, in scintillating form, scored 76 off 45 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes. His opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran, was equally impressive with a knock of 70 off 46 balls, including nine fours and a six. Despite a spirited comeback by Uganda’s bowlers towards the end of the innings, Afghanistan’s openers ensured a challenging target for their opponents.
Chasing 184 runs, Uganda faltered early and never recovered. Robinson Obuya (14) and Riazat Ali Shah (11) were the only batsmen to reach double figures as Uganda crumbled to 58 all out in 16 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by the outstanding Fazalhaq Farooqi, delivered a clinical performance.
Farooqi’s spell was nothing short of spectacular, claiming five wickets for just nine runs. He was ably supported by Naveen-ul-Haq, who took 2/4, and Rashid Khan, who chipped in with 2/12. Farooqi’s remarkable performance earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ accolade.
This emphatic win not only highlighted Afghanistan’s strength in T20 cricket but also placed them among the top victors in the tournament’s history. It is Afghanistan’s second-largest win in T20Is, following their 130-run victory against Scotland in 2021. The list of significant wins in T20 World Cup history now includes Sri Lanka’s 172-run win over Kenya in 2007, South Africa’s 130-run win against Scotland in 2009, and England’s 116-run win over Afghanistan in 2012.
Afghanistan pacer Farooqi registers fourth-best T20 World Cup figures
Farooqi’s outstanding performance places him among the elite bowlers in T20 World Cup history after registering the fourth-best bowling figures in the ICC T20 World Cup. He took five wickets for just nine runs in his four overs, boasting an economy rate of 2.20. The best figures in the tournament’s history remain with former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis, who took six wickets for eight runs against Zimbabwe in 2012. This is followed by another Sri Lankan, Rangana Herath, who claimed five wickets for three runs against New Zealand in 2014, and Pakistan’s Umar Gul, who took five wickets for six runs against New Zealand in 2009.
Farooqi’s achievement also marks the sixth instance of an Afghanistan bowler securing a five-wicket haul in T20 Internationals (T20Is). Rashid Khan, the renowned Afghan leg-spinner, holds two of these records, including the best figures for Afghanistan in T20Is with five wickets for three runs against Ireland in 2017.
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