Uganda beat Zambia by 87 runs in the 1st Match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier C at the Nigeria Cricket Federation Oval 1, Abuja, on 20 Oct 2026. Uganda won the toss and elected to bat first.
Olipa Gerald top-scored with 82 from 42 balls, hitting 5 fours and 7 sixes, before he was bowled by Ismail Kara in the 19th over with the score on 181/5. Riazat Ali Shah made 38 from 20 balls and Raghav Dhawan added 23 from 16. Kara struck again two balls later, trapping Alpesh Ramjani lbw for 10, and finished with 2 for 40. Joshep Zulu took 2 for 36 as Uganda closed on 195/6 from their 20 overs.
Zambia lost Shadreck Malama for 0 to Juma Miyagi in the first over, with the score on 7/1. Joseph Baguma then struck with consecutive deliveries, bowling Robert Lungu for 14 and Ismail Kara for 0 to leave Zambia 30/3. Jakir Patel hit 3 sixes in his 23 from 23 balls before Ramjani bowled him at 71/4.
Zambia slid from 87/5 to 91/8. Miyagi removed Ayaz Dadabhai and Zahir Hingloti within three balls, and Baguma had Joyeb Chand caught by Kasaija for 38 from 28 balls, the highest score of the innings. Ramjani later dismissed Joshep Zulu for 11, and Kasaija took the final wicket as Zambia were all out for 108 in 17.3 overs.
Baguma finished with 4 for 44 from his 4 overs, while Miyagi took 3 for 17 from 3. Olipa Gerald was named player of the match.