Uganda qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup as Zimbabwe fails to make it
For the first time in the history of cricket, Uganda qualified for the T20 World Cup after defeating Rwanda in their final game of the Africa region qualifier. In the process, Uganda denied Zimbabwe a spot in the main event, which is going to be held next year in the West Indies and the USA.
Going into the final round of fixtures on Thursday, i.e., November 30, Uganda was the favourite to get the job done as they were up against a winless Rwanda. For Zimbabwe to usurp Uganda in the points table, they had to defeat Kenya and hope for Uganda to slip against Rwanda. However, Rwanda lost a wicket in the very first over of their innings and never recovered.
Only two batsmen from Rwanda managed to hit double digits, with the batting lineup crumbling in stunning fashion. Eventually, Rwanda were bowled out for just 65, and Uganda chased down the target with ease to prevail by nine wickets and seal their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe did all they could from their end as the in-form captain Sikandar Raza promoted himself up the order and smashed eight sixes en route to his 48-ball 82. Zimbabwe ended up posting 217 on the board as a result, but that loss to Uganda four days ago came back to hurt them in the end.