(AP Photo)
New Zealand showcased clinical prowess in a consolatory nine-wicket victory over Uganda at the T20 World Cup venue. Led by left-arm pacer Trent Boult, who took 2 wickets for just 7 runs, and seasoned quick Tim Southee, who claimed 3 wickets for 4 runs, New Zealand dismantled Uganda for a paltry 40 runs in 18.4 overs. Uganda narrowly avoided setting a new low for T20 World Cup scores, having previously been dismissed for 39 against the West Indies. The disparity between Uganda and top-tier teams was stark throughout the tournament.
Opener Devon Conway anchored New Zealand’s chase with an unbeaten 22 runs off 15 deliveries, including 4 boundaries, as they reached the target in just 5.2 overs. Despite this win, New Zealand, after losses to Afghanistan and hosts West Indies, failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in a decade.
“It was obviously a pretty clinical performance, nice to get a win. Extremely disappointed to play ourselves out of the tournament,” player of the match Southee said.
“You look at the side, plenty of experience and we were not at our best in the first two games. We have a proud record in World Cups in the last 10 years and it has now come to an end,” he added.
New Zealand dominated against debutants Uganda, who struggled consistently in the tournament, failing to surpass 80 runs. Uganda ended their campaign with three losses and one win.
“It has been a wonderful experience for us. Obviously, being here first time at this level, just the exposure to the quality players… it has done wonders for the game back home. The whole country has been following our progress, staying up late to watch games. Hopefully, it is a platform we can build on,” Uganda skipper Brian Masaba said.
“I have tried to interact as much as I can with the top players, trying to pick their brain. Asking questions like what they did to get better. We are looking forward to what happens next for us, and hopefully this can help get it done,” he added.
New Zealand capitalized on swinging conditions during the powerplay, conceding just 9 runs and taking 3 wickets.
Trent Boult made an immediate impact, dismissing Simon Ssesazi lbw and then clean bowling Robinson Obuya on successive deliveries in the first over, narrowly missing a hat-trick against Alpesh Ramjani.
Tim Southee added to Uganda’s woes by trapping Ramjani lbw in the fourth over for their third wicket.
Uganda continued to struggle as Mitchell Santner (2/8), Rachin Ravindra (2/9), and Lockie Ferguson (1/9) joined the wicket-taking spree.
Southee returned in the 18th over to dismiss Fred Achelam and Juma Miyagi lbw on consecutive deliveries, but missed out on a hat-trick, similar to Boult earlier.
Only Kenneth Waiswa managed to reach double figures with 11 runs, while four Ugandan batsmen were dismissed without scoring.
