Uganda secured a commanding 117-run victory over Malawi in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier fifth place playoff semifinal at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare this evening.
After skipper Riazat Ali Shah won the toss and elected to bat, debutant Sumeet Verma produced a sparkling Player of the Match (POTM) performance with 88 runs off 41 balls, striking 3 boundaries and 8 sixes.
Verma’s 140-run stand with opener Raghav Dhawan (50* off 48 balls) steadied Uganda after early jitters, while Riazat added a late unbeaten cameo of 19 (8 balls) to push the total to 192/3 in 20 overs.
In reply, Malawi were suffocated by Uganda’s clinical bowling. Alpesh Ramjani (4/13 in 4 overs) reached a personal milestone of 100 T20I wickets – becoming the second Ugandan to the landmark after Henry Ssenyondo (121 wickets from 90 matches). Innocent Mwebaze (1/19) and Dinesh Nakrani (1/4) chipped in, as Malawi could only muster 75/6 in their allotted overs.
Coach Jackson Ogwang praised the team’s execution:
“Today we got something we had missed throughout the tournament – a big partnership. Sumeet and Raghav rebuilt us under pressure and gave us momentum. Our bowlers stuck to the plan and supported each other.”
Man of the Match Sumeet Verma said:
“The wicket was a little slow early on but I backed my intent. Batting with Raghav gave me confidence, and once I got in, I expressed myself. I’m very happy to contribute in my first international.”
Uganda will face Nigeria’s Yellow Greens in the Fifth Place Playoff Final on Saturday, October 4 – 2.50pm at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
