(AP Photo)
The African team successfully dismissed Papua New Guinea for 77 runs. Despite facing a challenging start at 26-5 during their chase, they managed to reach the target in 18.2 overs, with Riazat Ali Shah leading the charge with a top score of 33 runs.
In a tightly contested match marked by low scores, Uganda secured their historic first T20 World Cup triumph with a nerve-wracking three-wicket win over Papua New Guinea at Providence Stadium on Wednesday.
After restricting Papua New Guinea to 77 runs, Uganda initially faced a challenging situation at 26-5 during their innings. However, they managed to chase down the target in 18.2 overs, with Riazat Ali Shah leading the way with a top score of 33 runs.
Riazat played a pivotal role in Uganda’s victory, forming a crucial sixth-wicket partnership worth 35 runs with Juma Miyagi, which ultimately tilted the game in favor of the tournament newcomers. However, Papua New Guinea would lament the moment when Riazat, on eight, was dropped by Charles Amini, missing out on what should have been a straightforward catch.
Despite setting a low target to defend, Papua New Guinea struggled, with some loose bowling contributing to their downfall, including conceding 15 wides. Following the dropped catch, Riazat displayed discipline and focus throughout his innings. However, with just three runs needed for victory, he mistimed a shot and was caught by John Kariko at third man.
The Ugandan team jubilantly celebrated their victory with spirited dancing at the edge of the field. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the team, which had surpassed more established cricketing nations like Zimbabwe to secure their spot in the tournament and earn their first points on the scoreboard.
“That’s a pretty special win for us. You know, first win at the World Cup,” said Uganda skipper Brian Masaba.
“It doesn’t get more special than this. I’m super proud of this group of guys. I mean, they’ve put in the work, they’ve put in such a shift. And to get a win for their country at the World Cup is very, very special,” he added.
Having won the toss, Masaba opted to field first, and his decision paid off immediately. Alpesh Ramjani struck early, dismissing PNG captain Assad Vala with just the second ball of the innings. Vala was trapped lbw, resulting in a wicket-maiden opening over for Uganda.
Sese Bau attempted to drive a delivery from Juma Miyagi, but Roger Mukasa made a brilliant catch at mid-off, moving swiftly backward to take the catch. Similarly, Tony Ura’s drive off Cosmas Kyewuta ended in another straightforward catch for Mukasa, this time at mid-on, leaving PNG struggling at 19-3 in the fourth over.
Lega Siaka seemed settled, scoring 12 runs off 17 balls before a risky attempt to take a second run resulted in a run-out. Charles Amini’s dismissal by Frank Nsubuga further added to PNG’s woes.
Despite efforts from Hiri Hiri and Kiplin Doriga, who managed to reach double figures, the Pacific Islanders were eventually bowled out with five balls remaining in their allotted 20 overs.
