Afghanistan got their T20 World Cup campaign off to a flying start, dominating Uganda by a massive 125 runs in their Group C match. The win was set up by a powerful opening partnership and a clinical bowling performance, with coach Jonathan Trott crediting new bowling consultant Dwayne Bravo for his influence.
Openers Shine, Set Up Big Total
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (76) and Ibrahim Zadran (70) provided a solid foundation for Afghanistan‘s batting, putting on a 154-run opening stand. This strong start propelled the team to a competitive total of 183/5.
Farooqi Takes Center Stage with Fifer
Uganda’s chase never got going as Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by the impressive Fazalhaq Farooqi, unleashed a dominant display. Farooqi stole the show with his maiden five-wicket haul, giving away just 5 runs in his 4 overs. The rest of the bowling attack chipped in with wickets, restricting Uganda to a meagre 58 runs.
Trott Hails Bravo’s Coaching Impact
Following the win, head coach Jonathan Trott was quick to praise the impact of Dwayne Bravo, who joined the team as a bowling consultant just two weeks before the tournament. Trott highlighted Bravo’s vast experience as a player and his success in franchise cricket, stating that his presence has significantly improved the coaching standards, especially for the bowlers.
Trott said at the post-match press conference: “DJ (Dwayne Bravo) coming into the squad, fantastic. I think as a head coach, with quality coaches, also with huge experience as players, but also with huge franchise experience in this format of the game, it is only brilliant to have a A player like him comes in as a coach and that makes your job a lot easier, but it also makes the coaching better, especially with the bowlers,” “We saw the start of his first match with us and we saw the bowlers bowling really well – so credit to Dwayne, also credit to Hamid Hassan – also a bowling coach, so a nice start for the boys,” he added.
Clinical Display Bodes Well for Afghanistan
This comprehensive victory sends a strong message to Afghanistan’s group rivals, New Zealand and West Indies. With a potent opening partnership and a bowling attack bolstered by Bravo’s expertise, Afghanistan looks like a team to be reckoned with in the T20 World Cup.
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