Afghanistan vs Uganda T20 World Cup 2024 Match 5

Afghanistan has often been a dark horse when it comes to the ICC events. After pulling off some of the biggest upsets in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the Rashid Khan-led side will aim to get their hands on the coveted title. The Afghans are scheduled to play all their T20 World Cup 2024 matches in the Caribbean islands, kickstarting their campaign against Uganda at Providence Stadium in Guyana on June 3: 8:30 PM Local, 6:00 AM IST (June 4). On the other hand, in the T20 World Cup 2024, Uganda will be making their debut, along with co-hosts USA and Canada, in this 20-team event. Uganda will be led by Brian Masaba, with Riazat Ali Shah as the deputy. In addition, Frank Nsubuga, 43, will be one of the oldest players in the tournament.

Dark Horse Afghanistan kickstart their campaign against the new boys, Uganda

In the exciting fifth match of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan will be locking horns with Uganda, scheduled to begin on June 4 at Providence Stadium, Guyana. Fans can catch the AFG vs UGA T20 World Cup 2024 match live from 6 AM IST. Uganda outplayed Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2024 qualifier and has showcased a lot of promise with their performance so far. It's a historic occasion as this will be the first time the African nation will participate in a major T20 tournament. On the flip side, Afghanistan are clearly the favourites to win against Uganda.

However, cricket is a funny game. Over the years, we have seen some low-ranked teams pull off a surprise against the top teams, and Afghanistan would not hope to take Uganda lightly. Although Afghanistan has a strong team and the likes of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan will have to be at their best for this match. It will be more of a learning curve for Uganda at the biggest stage, but they would fancy their chance to cause an upset. Players like Robinson Obuya and Roger Mukasa had a decent outing in the warm-ups, and they would need to replicate that in the main tournament.

AFG vs UGA Match 5: Providence Stadium, Guyana Weather and Pitch Report

We can yet again expect a slowish surface, with the highest total posted at the venue in international cricket in the last 13 years being 169 for 5. There is a possibility of passing showers and some cloud cover. The West Indies played two T20Is at Providence Stadium last year. Their 1st group game against PNG was also played in the same venue. Scores were under 160 across six innings in the three matches, which suggests the pitches here offer a balanced track for the players. Therefore, batters and bowlers can all shine if they get the momentum right. In addition, chasing teams will get a greater advantage here, as all three fixtures were won by the team batting second. Both spinners and fast bowlers can be effective at this venue, assuring that Afghanistan might hand Uganda a thrashing to kick things off in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.

Predicted Afghanistan Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are set to open the batting, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi will have to step up with their all-round abilities. Noor Ahmad will likely start ahead of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi will lead the pace attack.

AFG Playing XI

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Rashid Khan (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi.

Predicted Uganda Playing XI

Robinson Obuya is set to play for Uganda after his batting fireworks in the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match. The role of Brian Masaba as captain will be huge, while players such as Alpesh Ramjani and Riazat Ali Shah will have to step up.

UGA Playing XI

Ronak Patel, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Roger Mukasa, Riazat Ali Shah, Brian Masaba (C), Fred Achelam, Dinesh Nakrani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Juma Miyagi, Bilal Hassan

Brian Masaba (C), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel, Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya.