Players of Uganda team posing with their flag after securing a place at the 2024 T20 World Cup African Region Qualifier, beating Rwanda at Windhoek in Namibia on Thursday — ICC PARIS, Nov 30 (Agencies): Uganda will make their first appearance at a cricket World Cup next year after qualifying on Thursday for the T20 tournament to be hosted by the West Indies and the United States.
A nine-wicket win over Rwanda secured Uganda second place in the African regional qualifying event, joining Namibia at the 2024 T20 World Cup while eliminating Zimbabwe from contention.
Uganda bowled Rwanda out for just 65 and knocked off the runs in 8.1 overs to record their fifth win in six matches in Windhoek.
Qualifying hosts Namibia sealed their spot on Tuesday with a 58-run win over Tanzania, ensuring they will play at a third consecutive T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe, who lost to both Namibia and Uganda, will miss out for the second time in three editions.
They did not participate in the 2021 showpiece after the ICC suspended Zimbabwe's membership because of government interference.
Zimbabwe also failed to reach the last two 50-over World Cups. Their recent absence in India cost them the chance to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
"It is pretty surreal," captain Brian Masaba said.
"I can't put words to the emotions we are feeling now as a team. It's massive for Ugandan cricket and huge for African cricket, especially, for a country like Uganda to make it to the World Cup."
"A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get us where we are today," Masaba said.
"It has been years of toil and hard work, four or five years of sacrifice. The fans joining in the celebrations was pretty special."
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