After struggling at 26-5 in reply, Riazat Ali Shah top-scored with 33 as the African side bowled out PNG for 77.
After struggling at 26-5 in reply, Riazat Ali Shah top-scored with 33 as the African side bowled out PNG for 77.
In a low-scoring but tense encounter at Providence Stadium on Wednesday, Uganda won their first ever T20 World Cup match by three wickets.
PNG will rue the moment Charles Amini dropped Riazat, on eight, who misjudged a relatively simple catch.
Despite facing such a low total, the Pacific Islanders were undone in part by some loose bowling, conceding 15 wides.
After that let-off, Riazat played a disciplined and focused inning until, with three needed to win, he skied a catch to third baseman John Kariko.
As Uganda picked up its first points, the team celebrated its victory by dancing on the edge of the field.
“That’s a pretty special win for us. It’s our first victory at the World Cup,” said Uganda captain Brian Masaba.
A win for their country at the World Cup is very, very special. I’m very proud of this group of guys. They’ve put in so much work.
After winning the toss and putting PNG in to bat, Masaba was rewarded when Alpesh Ramjani trapped PNG captain Assad Vala lbw with the second ball of the innings.
Despite trying to drive Juma Miyagi, Sese Bau was snatched up by Roger Mukasa who made the catch from mid-off.
In the fourth over, Tony Ura’s attempt to drive off Cosmas Kyewuta was caught by Mukasa at mid-on to leave his team struggling at 19-3.
It was damage limitation time when Lega Siaka was run-out after making 12 off 17 balls and Charles Amini was bowled by Frank Nsubuga for his second run.
With five balls remaining in their allotted 20 overs, the Pacific Islanders were bowled out with just Hiri Hiri and Kiplin Doriga scoring double figures.
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