Team Uganda etched their name in cricket history on Thursday by becoming the fifth African nation to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This marks their maiden appearance in an ICC World Cup event. Jubilant scenes erupted in Windhoek as the Cricket Cranes soared past Zimbabwe to secure qualification alongside Namibia for next year’s tournament.

With an impressive five wins from their six matches, Uganda clinched a top-two finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier, following their triumph over Rwanda in the concluding round of matches. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s hopes of participating in the marquee tournament were extinguished.

Uganda’s qualifying journey began with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Tanzania in their opening match. However, their winning streak was halted by Namibia, who inflicted a six-wicket defeat, courtesy of David Wiese’s exceptional bowling performance of 4/17.

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Unfazed by this setback, the African team bounced back in style, claiming a thrilling five-wicket victory against Zimbabwe. Sikandar Raza’s valiant 48* was the highlight of Zimbabwe’s innings, but Uganda’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Dinesh Nakrani’s impressive 3/14, restricted the Chevrons to a modest 136/7.

Match Day – #ICCT20WCQ

Game 6 – Result
Rwanda 🇷🇼 65/10
Uganda 🇺🇬 66/1
Uganda won by 9 wickets
(with 71 balls to spare)
MOM; Alpesh Ramjani

We’re going for the ‘BIG DANCE’ to the T20 World Cup in the West Indies & USA🇺🇸.#CricketCranesInColour#Twaake @PlasconUganda pic.twitter.com/or96A4h0YB

— Uganda Cricket Association (@CricketUganda) November 30, 2023

Alpesh Ramjani (40) and Riazat Ali Shah (42) spearheaded the Cricket Cranes’ chase, guiding them to victory with five wickets remaining. This monumental upset sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Uganda continued their dominant run, cruising to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Nigeria in their fourth match. They further asserted their authority by defeating Kenya by 33 runs, securing their T20 World Cup spot in the process.

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To cap off their remarkable journey, Uganda sealed their qualification with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Rwanda. Their outstanding bowling performance restricted Rwanda to a mere 65 runs, and they comfortably chased down the target by the ninth over.

Namibia had earlier become the first team from the Africa Region Qualifier to secure their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup, defeating Tanzania by a commanding 58 runs on Tuesday. This victory sealed Namibia’s participation in the tournament, which will be held in the US and West Indies.