New Zealand cruised to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Uganda in a one-sided contest at Tarouba’s Brian Lara Stadium in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday.

Opting to bowl first, the New Zealand bowling attack proved to be far too strong for Uganda’s batters, dismissing them for a paltry 40 runs in just 18.4 overs.

Uganda collapses under New Zealand’s bowling brilliance

None of the Ugandan batters were able to build a significant innings, with only Kenneth Waiswa (11 runs) managing to reach the double-digit mark.

The New Zealand bowling attack was disciplined and clinical, with Tim Southee (3/4) leading the charge. Trent Boult (2/7), Mitchell Santner (2/8), Lockie Ferguson (1/9), and Rachin Ravindra (2/9) all chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring that Uganda never got going.

New Zealand registers an easy win

Chasing a meagre target of 41 runs, New Zealand openers Devon Conway (22 not out) and Finn Allen (9 runs) ensured a swift victory.

The pair put on a 30-run opening partnership before Allen was dismissed. New Zealand reached the target in a mere 5.2 overs with nine wickets remainingshowcasing the gulf in class between the two sides.

Southee’s impressive bowling performance of 3 wickets for just 4 runs earned him the Player of the Match award.

Lowest run-rates in a Men’s T20 World Cup innings

• 2.14 – Uganda vs New Zealand, Tarouba, 2024
• 3.25 – Uganda vs West Indies, Guyana, 2024
• 3.52 – Oman vs England, North Sound, 2024
• 3.62 – Uganda vs Afghanistan, Guyana, 2024
• 3.71 – Netherlands vs Sri Lanka, Chattogram, 2014