WEST Indies’ left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein career-best performance stunned Uganda rooting them 39 runs to equal the lowest total in ICC T20 World Cup. This score ties with the Netherlands’ infamous low against Sri Lanka in 2014.
The co-hosts won by 134 runs at Providence in Guyana on Saturday evening.
The tournament debutants were bowled out in only 12 overs, marking the second-largest margin of defeat in the tournament’s history. Hosein’s 5 for 11 made him the first West Indies bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul at a men’s T20 World Cup.
Earlier in the game, Johnson Charles top-scored for West Indies with 44 runs off 42 balls, while Andre Russell contributed a rapid, unbeaten 30 from 17 balls, including six boundaries. These efforts propelled the West Indies to a total of 173 for 5.
Paid political advertisement
With this victory, the West Indies remain second in Group C, boasting two wins from two matches, just behind Afghanistan based on net run-rate. Uganda, having experienced a rollercoaster tournament, sits third with two points from three matches. Their sole victory came against Papua New Guinea, flanked by heavy losses.
Despite the defeat, Uganda’s bowlers managed to keep the West Indies batters from fully dominating, but their batting frailties were laid bare. Notably, number nine Juma Miyagi, with an unbeaten 13, was the only Ugandan player to reach double figures, tying with extras for the highest score.
This resounding win gives West Indies a significant net run-rate boost, solidifying their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Afghanistan, currently leading the group, maintains an even higher run-rate, leaving bottom-placed New Zealand with a steep challenge. The Kiwis must win their remaining three matches decisively to contend for a top-two finish.
Paid political advertisement
The West Indies will next face New Zealand in Trinidad on Wednesday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, while Uganda will take on the Black Caps at the same venue on Friday.
