🏏ICC T20 WC 2024, Match 5: Afghanistan vs Uganda @ Guyana 🏏 - Page 3

Thanks for the tag Soni.

Can we say one of them is going to win for sure?

Cheers..

Hello and welcome to ESPNcricinfo's live coverage of Match 5 of the 2024 men's T20 World Cup. The competition has gotten off to a rip-roaring start, and tonight promises to be no different. So, let's get stuck into the action!

A red-letter day in Ugandan sporting history. The day their men's team will play its first senior World Cup game (across formats), and nothing will ever take this away from them. Uganda, though, will want more. Maybe something like, dare we say it, a victory. To further adorn this historic moment, and give those back in Uganda a tale to reminisce about for generations and generations.

Up against them are Afghanistan, who, rather poetically and perhaps as a beacon of inspiration to Uganda, have been through a similar journey, having undergone the transformation from being outsiders at ICC events to genuine dark horses. And on the back of last year's ODI World Cup display, they will want to make a mark here. A statement that resonates across the globe and proclaims their readiness to go deep into the T20 World Cup, like their talent and ambition has always threatened.

So, here we are. Afghanistan versus Uganda. Two teams that may have slightly different tournament objectives, but two sides whose short-term goals dovetail towards two points. A sojourn of hope, of possibilities, of the pursuit of something tangible for their past experiences for Afghanistan. For Uganda, a first step into promised land. A fantasy foray that is now their reality, and one they hope will be their reality in years to come.

Uganda have defied several odds to be here at this T20 World Cup. In the African region qualifiers, they got the better of Zimbabwe, and they have faced Afghanistan in the past too. All that and much more in this comprehensive piece by Firdose Moonda, detailing everything you need to know about the newest African team on the World Cup block.

This is the second match being played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana this T20 World Cup. The first one was a low-scoring affair, where the West Indies huffed and puffed their way past PNG. That, though, was a day game, and it will be interesting to see how the pitch plays tonight, and what the captain winning the toss would want to do. Toss soon.

Mustafa Moudi : "Fun Fact: Chasing teams have won all the 4 matches so far, including the tied match. No-brainer to field first after winning the toss !!"

The limelight is definitely on Uganda today. If they are to take inspiration, they don't need to look far. Their opponents, Afghanistan, have themselves made their way up the ladder through loads of hard work, determination and persistence. At this level, there's no question mark about the skill-set of the players but temperament is what makes you progress as an individual and as a team. Opportunities come to those who strive hard to improve each and every day. And here's Uganda's opportunity to rise to the occasion and make the stars align for themselves.

Group C is a tricky one and Afghanistan will be eyeing to start off their campaign with flying colours. Uganda will be determined to make the world take notice while Papua New Guinea gave the West Indies a scare the other day. There’s New Zealand as well who are always a threat in mega events. Notching up two points on the board early on is crucial for both sides today and it is definitely going to be a thrilling contest! If the previous game between West Indies and Papua New Guinea is anything to go by at this venue, the conditions will test the skills of the batters. There will be assistance for the new-ball bowlers while spinners are likely to extract turn. As a batter, you need to get your eye in before chancing your arms.

Success comes to those who dare to dream! Uganda’s dream has turned into reality as they make their debut in the T20 World Cup. Uganda performed brilliantly in the Africa qualifiers – they defeated Zimbabwe to make it to the mega event which speaks volumes about their potential. However, squaring off against a spirited Afghanistan side will certainly be a challenge for Uganda. Afghanistan performed appreciably in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Defeating the likes of Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka is a testimony to their progress at the big stage. The spin trio of Rashid, Mujeeb, and Nabi is a force to reckon with. The slow pitches in West Indies are only going to make the trio even more formidable.

Uganda won the toss and opted to field first.

Uganda have won the toss and have opted to field.

Cheers..

Rashid Khan | Afghanistan captain: In T20s, you need to play a good brand of cricket. Afghanistan was there 10-12 years ago at the same stage, it's something special for them and for us as well. Afghanistan are famous for the quality spinners and we are well prepared for the conditions.

Brian Masaba | Uganda captain: We will bowl first. Looks like a pitch where we are not sure what's a good score and we would like to chase. The idea is to grow cricket in the world. We are very excited to be here. We needed to get information about the conditions and the previous game here helped us do that.

Uganda have won the toss and have opted to field