Uganda's Riazat Ali Shah guides team to maiden T20 World Cup win. © Twitter (@ImThimira07)
In a gripping encounter at the T20 World Cup, Uganda secured a monumental victory against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a low-scoring thriller. The match, held at Providence, Guyana, showcased exceptional performances from both sides, culminating in Uganda’s maiden win in the prestigious tournament.
Match Summary
Papua New Guinea 77 (19.1) | |
| Hiri Hiri 15 (19) | Frank Nsubuga |
| Lega Siaka 12 (17) | Juma Miyagi |
| Kiplin Doriga 12 (20) | Cosmas Kyewuta |
Uganda 78/7 (18.2) | |
| Riazat Ali Shah 33 (56) | Alei Nao |
| Juma Miyagi 13 (16) | Norman Vanua |
| Alpesh Ramjani 8 (10) | Assad Vala |
Toss: Uganda won and chose to field.
Stadium: Providence Stadium, Guyana.
Result: Uganda won by three wickets.
Player of the Match: Riazat Ali Shah (UGA) – 33 (56)
Uganda won the throw and chose for field initial, a choice that demonstrated critical as their bowlers unleashed devastation on PNG’s batting setup. PNG struggled from the outset, folding for a mere 77 runs, their lowest T20I score ever. The veteran Frank Nsubuga and the young sensation Juma Miyagi spearheaded Uganda’s bowling attack, dismantling PNG’s top order with precision and pace.
Uganda’s chase began on a shaky note as they found themselves reeling at 26 for 5, courtesy of PNG’s formidable bowling. However, Riazat Ali Shah emerged as the savior for Uganda, anchoring the innings with a composed knock of 33 runs off 56 balls. Despite facing early setbacks, Uganda showcased resilience and determination, eventually reaching the target in the 19th over, clinching a historic victory.
Detailed Match Report
First Innings
Winning the toss, Uganda opted to bowl first, aiming to exploit the favorable bowling conditions. PNG’s innings got off to a disastrous start as Alpesh Ramjani struck early, dismissing Assad Vala with a peach of a delivery. Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta maintained the pressure, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Left reeling at 6 for 3, PNG struggled to stabilize their innings against Uganda’s relentless pace attack.
Nsubuga’s spell was the highlight of the innings. The seasoned campaigner delivered an impeccable performance, conceding only four runs in his four-over spell while scalping two vital wickets. His tight line and length troubled the PNG batters, who struggled to rotate the strike and build partnerships. With wickets tumbling consistently, PNG failed to establish any momentum, ultimately succumbing to a paltry total of 77 runs.
Second Innings
Chasing a modest target, Uganda’s top order faltered against PNG’s disciplined bowling unit. Alei Nao struck early, removing Roger Mukasa for a second consecutive duck. PNG’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, reducing Uganda to 26 for five within the powerplay overs. With the game hanging in the balance, Riazat Ali Shah showcased remarkable composure, anchoring Uganda’s innings with a gritty knock.
Riazat’s partnership with Miyagi provided Uganda with a glimmer of hope as they steadily inched closer to the target. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Riazat held firm, steering Uganda towards a historic victory. PNG’s fielding lapses and wayward bowling contributed to Uganda’s cause, allowing them to cross the finish line with three wickets in hand and secure their first-ever win in the T20 World Cup.
In Last
Uganda’s triumph over Papua New Guinea in the T20 World Cup will be etched in the annals of cricket history as a watershed moment for Ugandan cricket. The match displayed the versatility and assurance of Uganda’s players, who defeated misfortune to secure an important triumph. With this win, Uganda has announced its arrival on the global stage and will look to build on this momentum in the remainder of the tournament.
