Gerald Olipa smashed 82 off 42 balls as Uganda beat Zambia by 87 runs in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C opener in Abuja on Tuesday.
Uganda posted 195 for six before bundling Zambia out for 108 in 17.3 overs to start the campaign with a commanding win.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah added a quickfire 38 off 20 balls to set the tone after Robinson Obuya fell early.
Raghav Dhawan chipped in with 23 off 16 while Alpesh Ramjani struggled to 10 off 14 balls during a middle-overs lull.
Joseph Baguma claimed four wickets but leaked runs at a high economy rate in a mixed bowling display.
Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta supported with tidy spells to choke the Zambian chase.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Uganda can sustain the aggressive template against stronger sides like Nigeria and Kenya.
Uganda face hosts Nigeria next in what shapes up as the group's decisive fixture.
Key performances:
- Gerald Olipa: 82 (42 balls, 5x4, 7x6), Player of the Match
- Riazat Ali Shah: 38 (20 balls, 5x4, 1x6)
- Joseph Baguma: 4 wickets (costly economy)
- Juma Miyagi: Economical spell
- Cosmas Kyewuta: Tight bowling at the death
Source: Kawowo Sports
