Uganda qualify for 2024 T20 World Cup; Zimbabwe knocked out
In a historic development, the Uganda cricket team has qualified for the 2024 ICC men's T20 World Cup. Uganda sealed the spot with a nine-wicket win against Rwanda in their final Africa Region Qualifier match. They finished above both Zimbabwe and Kenya, becoming the 20th side to seal the T20 WC berth. Earlier, Namibia went through after winning five matches in the African Qualifiers.
Uganda won five encounters
Uganda won five of their six encounters in the African Qualifiers to book their T20 World Cup berth. They defeated Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda in the tournament. Their only defeat came to Namibia. Uganda's win over Rwanda knocked Zimbabwe out of the tournament as they finished third. Uganda finished second behind Namibia with a Net Run Rate of +1.334.
Zimbabwe miss T20 WC berth
Zimbabwe's last hope to qualify for the T20 World Cup was quashed by Uganda. Zimbabwe were two points behind Uganda. NRR would have come into the equation, had Uganda lost to Rwanda. However, Uganda's win eliminated Zimbabwe, who also failed to qualify for the 2019 and 2023 ODI WCs. They also missed the 2021 T20 WC as they were suspended.
Uganda follow Namibia's path
Uganda qualified for the T20 World Cup a day after Namibia sealed the berth. This is only the third time Namibia have made it to the T20 World Cup. It is a historic moment for the cricket fraternity in Namibia as they have shown great dominance in the African qualifiers. Namibia have won all of their five matches with one to go.
20 teams to feature in 2024 T20 WC
England, Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Australia, South Africa, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka secured their berths after finishing in the top eight of the 2022 T20 WC. Afghanistan and Bangladesh were next in the T20I Rankings. European Qualifiers: Ireland and Scotland. East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers: Papua New Guinea. Americas Qualifiers: Canada. Asian Qualifiers: Nepal and Oman. African Qualifiers: Namibia and Uganda. Hosts: West Indies and USA.
Presenting the 20 teams
2024 T20 World Cup format
As per the 2024 T20 World Cup format, 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each. The top two teams from each group will enter the Super Eights. The Super Eight stage will be further bifurcated into two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from these groups will then advance into the semi-finals.
