In a dominating display, New Zealand defeated Uganda by 9 wickets in the 32nd match of Group C at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, held in Tarouba. New Zealand chased down Uganda’s modest total of 40 with ease, finishing at 41/1 in just 5.2 overs.
Uganda’s innings never gained momentum as New Zealand’s bowlers dismantled their lineup. Tim Southee and Trent Boult were the chief architects of Uganda’s downfall, claiming five wickets between them. Boult struck early with a double-wicket over, removing Simon Ssesazi and Robinson Obuya, leaving Uganda reeling at 9 for 3 by the end of the powerplay.
Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra further tightened New Zealand’s grip on the match, testing the edges of Uganda’s batsmen with their left-arm spin. Lockie Ferguson contributed by clean bowling Kenneth Waiswa, who was the only Ugandan batsman to reach double figures. Uganda’s innings concluded at a paltry 40 runs in the 19th over, with just three boundaries hit throughout.
In reply, New Zealand faced little resistance. Despite a cautious start, they achieved the target comfortably in 5.2 overs, with Devon Conway remaining unbeaten on 22. The only hiccup for New Zealand came when Finn Allen was caught down the legside off the bowling of Riazat Ali Shah.
Trent Boult’s early strikes set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance. His inswinging yorkers and Southee’s accurate deliveries proved too challenging for Uganda’s batsmen. The spinners, Santner and Ravindra, maintained the pressure, ensuring no respite for Uganda.