Gurbaz & Zadran Star as Afghanistan Thrash Uganda by 125 Runs

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan feasted on Uganda’s bowling attack in Guyana, powering their team to a commanding 125-run victory in the T20 World Cup Group C encounter. The duo carved up the highest opening partnership ever witnessed by a narrow margin in the World Cup’s history, amassing 183 runs before a late Afghan wobble. Uganda, despite a valiant bowling effort towards the end of the innings, were skittled out for a paltry 58 runs.

Gurbaz and Zadran were an unstoppable force, launching 18 boundaries within the powerplay overs. Both batsmen reached their fifties within the first 10 overs, showcasing their dominance. Gurbaz’s 45-ball blitz yielded 76 runs, including four sixes and fours apiece. Zadran, meanwhile, compiled a composed 70 with nine boundaries and a solitary six. Their partnership propelled Afghanistan to a seemingly unassailable position of 154-0. However, a late collapse saw them lose five wickets for a mere 31 runs in the final six overs. Uganda’s captain Brian Masaba and Cosmas Kyewuta capitalized on the situation, each picking up two wickets to restrict the total somewhat.

Uganda’s batting response was a horror show. Fazalhaq Farooqi unleashed a fiery opening spell, dismantling their top order. He claimed two wickets in his very first over and went on to register a career-best five-wicket haul, conceding only nine runs. Naveen-ul-Haq and Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s spin maestro, provided valuable support with two wickets each. Uganda’s innings was wrapped up in just 16 overs, their lowest T20 International total ever. While Riazat Ali Shah and Robinson Obuya offered some resistance with a 29-run partnership for the sixth wicket, Farooqi’s return effectively ended their fightback.

This match served as a stark reminder of the experience gap between the two sides. Afghanistan displayed their batting prowess at the top and their bowling attack’s clinical efficiency. Uganda, despite a spirited bowling comeback and a brief batting partnership, were clearly outplayed in all facets of the game.

Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/sports/farooqi-gurbaz-ibrahim-star-afghanistan-thrash-uganda-125-runs-868026

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