Uganda's 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga creates epic record in T20 World Cup, surpasses Anrich Nortje

Source: Inside Sport India
Author: Madhav Agarwal

UGA vs PNG: Prior to Frank Nsubuga's record, Anrich Nortje topped the list for most economical T20 World Cup spell.

Who is the oldest active cricketer that you can think of? MS Dhoni? Well, there's a certain 43-year-old Uganda spinner Frank Nsubuga, who is playing the T20 World Cup 2024, and has made the headlines for his most economical spell in the history of the tournament. Frank Nsubuga returned with figures of four overs, 2/4 that had two maiden also in the Group C match against Papua New Guinea in Guyana on Thursday.

After Uganda opted to bowl first on a wicket assisting the bowlers, PNG largely struggled. Nsubuga played a pivotal role there as he first dismissed Charles Amini for 5, and then also removed Hiri Hiri for 15. This way PNG was bundled out for 77 in the last over.

"My first big tournament, first World Cup and to finish with figures of 2 for 4, I'm still pinching myself," said Nsubuga. "The ball wasn't coming on and I bowled on the slower side. We needed to bowl wicket-to-wicket...You just enjoy yourself, you never know what's coming for you. I'm looking after the young boys, they're looking after me," said the veteran.

Meanwhile, in the second innings, Uganada too faltered in the chase, but somehow managed the cross the line with three wickets to spare. Riazat Ali Shas was the top-scorer for them and scored 33 from 56.

Nsubuga's 2/4 in four overs is the most economical spell in the T20 World Cup history. Earlier in the tournament, in the SA vs SL match, South African pacer Anrich Nortje had come up with a spell of 4/7, which was then the most economical. But the Ugandan surpassed even that.