The Uganda cricket team, known as the ‘cricket cranes’, made history by recording their first-ever win at the T20 World Cup in their debut tournament. The team defeated Papua New Guinea by three wickets at Providence Stadium in Guyana, after bowling out PNG for 77 runs. Despite a shaky start with a score of 26-5, Uganda managed to chase down the target in 18.2 overs. The players celebrated their victory by dancing and bowing to acknowledge their fans who had traveled from Africa to the Caribbean to support them. Team captain Brian Masaba expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that had led to this historic moment.
Masaba highlighted the years of effort that had gone into reaching the T20 World Cup and described the win as a special milestone for Uganda cricket. The top scorer for Uganda in this match was Riazat Ali Shah, who contributed 33 runs and played a crucial role in a sixth-wicket partnership with Juma Miyagi. Despite a tense finish where Riazat was dismissed just three runs shy of victory, Masaba praised the team’s resilience in chasing a low total and emphasized the importance of every run scored. The captain also expressed gratitude towards the fans who had supported the team both in person and from afar, acknowledging the significant impact their support had on the players.
Papua New Guinea faced challenges in defending their low total, with missed opportunities in the field and some loose bowling that resulted in conceding wides. Uganda’s bowlers, led by Alpesh Ramjani, made early breakthroughs by dismissing key PNG batsmen, putting pressure on their opponents from the start. Despite contributions from Hiri Hiri and Kiplin Doriga, PNG were bowled out with five balls remaining in their innings. Masaba, who won the toss and elected to field, praised his team’s efforts in restricting PNG’s scoring and setting up the chase for victory.
Looking ahead, Uganda will face co-hosts West Indies in their next match, as they aim to build on the momentum gained from their historic win against Papua New Guinea. Masaba expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities and highlighted the importance of continued support from fans and well-wishers. The victory at the T20 World Cup marked a significant moment for Ugandan cricket, showcasing the team’s talent and determination on the global stage. The players, fans, and supporters all played a part in the success, creating a sense of unity and pride within the Ugandan cricket community.
