The West Indies bundled out Uganda for a record-low 39 runs to register a massive 134-run victory at Providence Stadium, Guyana, on Saturday. Opting to bat first, Rovman Powell’s squad amassed a formidable 173/5 to register their second-straight victory in the T20 World Cup.
The West Indies’ innings began with the early dismissal of Brandon King, who scored just 13 runs off 8 balls. Nicholas Pooran was impressive but couldn’t stay long at the crease as he departed for 22 off 17 balls. Johnson Charles added 44 runs, albeit sluggishly, consuming 42 deliveries.
Rovman Powell (23) and Sherfane Rutherford (22) commenced well but failed to convert their starts into substantial scores. At one juncture, it appeared the West Indies would surpass 200 runs easily, but the Ugandan bowlers stemmed the scoring in the latter half, leading to a flurry of quick wickets. Andre Russell’s unbeaten 17-ball 30 provided the necessary acceleration to take the hosts to 173/5 in 20 overs. 
Uganda’s captain, Brian Masaba, excelled with the ball, taking two crucial wickets, while Alpesh Ramjani, Cosmas Kyewuta, and Dinesh Nakrani claimed a wicket each.
Chasing 173, Uganda crumbled like a house of cards. They could just survive 12 overs with 39 runs on the scoreboard. Juma Miyagi, remaining unbeaten with 13*, is the only Ugandan batter to reach the double-figure mark.
Key Match Moments:
Alpesh Ramjani’s Early Strike
Alpesh Ramjani opened the bowling for Uganda, and the West Indies batters played cautiously, scoring only two runs off the first over. Returning in the fifth over, the left-arm spinner bowled Brandon King, securing an essential breakthrough for Uganda.
Brian Masaba’s Noteworthy Bowling
Ugandan skipper Brian Masaba impressed with his bowling. He took the wickets of heavy hitters Pooran and Powell, significantly slowing the scoring rate in the middle overs.
Akeal Hosein’s Mastery with the Ball
Akeal Hosein spearheaded the West Indies attack and achieved a career-best figure of 5/11. Ugandan batters couldn’t withstand his onslaught.
Alzarri Joseph’s Final Blow
Alzarri Joseph, who had been struggling with form before the tournament, regained his momentum. He ended with an impressive figure of 2 for 6 from 3 overs.
Uganda now has two points from three matches and faces elimination from the tournament. Their final group stage match against New Zealand is set for June 14 at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad. They must aim to play positively and glean insights from this major event.
The West Indies, with 4 points from two matches, are poised to finish in the top two of Group C. They will clash with New Zealand at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad, on June 12.
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