Farooqi’s five-for, Gurbaz, Zadran power Afghanistan’s to 125-run win over Uganda

Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi produced a fiery spell after Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s solid opening partnership to begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a comprehensive 125-run victory over debutants Uganda here.

Kolkata Knight Riders opener Gurbaz (76 off 45 balls) and his partner Zadran’s (70 off 46 balls) struck fluent fifties to register the second highest opening partnership (154) in the men’s T20 World Cup as Afghanistan posted a challenging 183/5 after being asked to bat.

Left-arm pacer Farooqi (5/9) then knocked the wind out of the Ugandan batting line up with his maiden five-wicket haul as the debutants were shot out for 58 in 16 overs.

Afghanistan’s skipper and country’s cricket icon Rashid Khan expressed pride in the team’s overall performance, emphasizing the importance of their hard work and mindset. Afghanistan now prepares for a tougher challenge against New Zealand.