PROVIDENCE, USA – The West Indies cricket team asserted their dominance in a one-sided affair, crushing Uganda by a massive 134 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 encounter at Providence Stadium. The match was a stark contrast in batting and bowling prowess, with the Caribbean side showcasing their full range of skills.
West Indies’ Batting Fireworks
Electing to bat first, the West Indies batters wasted no time in making their intentions clear. Johnson Charles (44 runs) and Nicholas Pooran (22 runs) anchored the innings with aggressive strokeplay. The middle order, led by Rovman Powell (23 runs) and Sherfane Rutherford (22 runs), maintained the momentum, piling on the runs with big hits. A late surge from Andre Russell (30 runs off 17 balls) propelled the West Indies to a formidable total of 173.
Uganda’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Cosmas Kyewuta (1/42) and Masaba (2/31) being the only wicket-takers. The lack of discipline and variation in their bowling allowed the West Indies batters to dictate terms.
Uganda’s Batting Woes
Chasing a daunting target of 174, Uganda’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure exerted by the West Indies bowlers. Akeal Hosein (5/11) was the chief destroyer, claiming his first-ever T20I five-wicket haul. His spin bowling proved unplayable for the Ugandan batsmen, as he ripped through their top and middle order.
Only Juma Miyagi (13 runs) managed to reach double figures, as Uganda was bowled out for a paltry 39 runs in just 12 overs. The lack of experience and technique against quality spin bowling was evident in Uganda’s meek surrender.
Hosein’s Heroics
Akeal Hosein’s exceptional bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch, coupled with his accuracy, proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Scorecard Summary:
- West Indies: 173/6 (20 overs)
- Johnson Charles 44 (42)
- Andre Russell 30 (17)
- Masaba 2/31 (4 overs)
- Uganda: 39 all out (12 overs)
- Juma Miyagi 13 (20)
- Akeal Hosein 5/11 (4 overs)
- Alzarri Joseph 2/6 (2 overs)
Result: West Indies won by 134 runs.
A Dominant Display
This comprehensive victory reaffirms the West Indies’ status as a T20 powerhouse. It also serves as a learning curve for Uganda, who are still finding their feet on the international stage. While the result may not have been unexpected, the margin of victory underlines the gulf in class between the two teams. The West Indies will be keen to carry this momentum forward in the tournament, while Uganda will aim to bounce back and gain valuable experience from this humbling defeat.
Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Motie Fall of wickets: 41-1 (Brandon King, 4.3), 76-2 (Pooran, 9.2), 105-3 (J Charles, 12.4), 125-4 (Rovman Powell, 15.3), 140-5 (Sherfane Rutherford, 17.3)
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Detailed Scorecard:
Did not bat: Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Roger Mukasa, 0.2), 4-2 (Simon Ssesazi, 1.3), 15-3 (Alpesh Ramjani, 2.6), 15-4 (Robinson Obuya, 3.1), 19-5 (Riazat Ali Shah, 4.4), 22-6 (Dinesh Nakrani, 6.1), 23-7 (Kenneth Waiswa, 6.5), 25-8 (Brian Masaba, 7.4), 34-9 (Cosmas Kyewuta, 10.6), 39-10 (Frank Nsubuga, 11.6)
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