Talk about a fall from grace. After beating the eventual runner-up Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe is on the verge of being eliminated from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Zimbabwe, who are currently ranked 12th in the ICC Men’s T20I ranking, have suffered a shocking 5-wicket defeat at the hands of Uganda.
To illustrate how shocking the defeat is, Uganda is currently ranked 23rd in the T20I rankings and have never played a top 10 team in international T20 cricket. This also marks a first-ever win for Uganda against a test-playing nation.
The match was a part of the ongoing T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier. The tournament has 7 teams participating for the final two spots in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
After losing the toss, Zimbabwe was put in to bat first. Barring skipper Sikandar Raza, all the Zimbabwean batters failed to make their mark as they were skittled out for just 136. Losing wickets at regular intervals, if not for skipper Raza’s 48, Uganda could have been chasing a target less than run-a-ball. For Uganda, Dinesh Nakrani was the star with the ball, finishing with 3/14, while Henry Ssenyondo (2/25) and Riazat Ali Shah (1/29) provided support.
After performing with the ball, Riazat sizzled with the bat, scoring 42 off 28 balls. Alpesh Ramjani supported Riazat, striking a quickfire 40 off 28 balls. In the end, Uganda chased the total down with ease, winning with 5 wickets in hand and 5 balls to spare.
Zimbabwe out of the 2024 T20 World Cup?
With this loss, Zimbabwe is placed in the 4th position on the points table. With Namibia and Kenya winning all three of their matches and Uganda winning two of their three matches, Zimbabwe is on the verge of elimination after leaving their mark in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
To qualify for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe will not only have to win all three of their matches but also hope that Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda lose their upcoming matches so that they make the final cut.
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