Gujarat-origin players shine as Uganda qualifies for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Ahmedabad: Uganda secured a place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies by defeating Rwanda with a nine-wicket victory, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifier. This will be their first appearance in a senior ICC World Cup.

Alongside Namibia, Uganda emerged from the Africa qualifier, contributing to the line-up of 20 teams participating in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.  It is noteworthy that three players of Gujarat origin are the part of the playing eleven of the Ugandan Cricket team.

The confirmed list of qualified teams for the event includes Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda, United States of America (USA), and West Indies.

Before this significant win, Uganda had secured victories in four out of five matches, triumphing over Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya, with their only loss against Namibia, who maintained an undefeated streak in the tournament. In the crucial match against Rwanda, Uganda’s Gujarat origin players Alpesh Ramjani, Dinesh Nakrani each took two wickets along with Brian Masaba, Henry Ssenyondo, restricting Rwanda to 65 runs in 18.5 overs.

Uganda successfully chased the target in 8.1 overs with 71 balls to spare, credited to commendable batting performances by Simon Ssesazi (26 from 21 deliveries), Ronak Patel (18 off 20), and Roger Mukasa (13 off 8).