Uganda Qualify for T20 World Cup 2024, another heartbreak for Zimbabwe

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Uganda thrashed Rwanda by nine wickets to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. Uganda's win and qualification also means that Zimbabwe will not be able to feature in the upcoming ICC marquee event in June.

Zimbabwe were hoping for a big win against Kenya, and a Uganda defeat against Rwanda to finish in the top two of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Regional Qualifier 2023, and qualify for the main event.

However, winless Rwanda were bundled out for 65 in 18.5 overs. Uganda chased down the target in just 8.1 overs to finish their campaign with five wins in six matches. Namibia are sitting on the top with five wins in as many games. They will face Nigeria in their last match.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe piled up 217 runs for the loss of four wickets against Kenya. Captain Sikandar Raza promoted himself to open the innings, and blasted one four and eight sixes en route to his 48-ball 82. Sean Williams also scored 60 runs off 26 balls.

However, all went in vain and their defeat against Uganda on November 26, came to haunt them. Earlier, Zimbabwe had missed out on the opportunity to qualify for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

Going into the final round of fixtures on Thursday (November 30), Uganda were favourites 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.