Uganda has registered its first win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. It defeated Papua New Guinea by 3 wickets in the Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024 played at Providence Stadium in Guyana. Uganda won the toss and decided to bowl. Its decision proved right when the entire team of Papua New Guinea was all out and could score only 77 runs in 19.1 overs.
Uganda’s experienced spinner Frank Nsubuga created history in Guyana. At the age of 43, Nsubuga took 2 wickets for just 4 runs in his first T20 World Cup. 4 runs are the least given by any bowler in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, South African fast bowler Anrich Norkhia had given 7 runs in 4 overs against Sri Lanka.
While chasing the target, Uganda won the match by scoring 78 runs for 7 wickets in 18.2 overs. However, at one time Uganda lost 5 wickets for a score of 26 runs in just 6.3 overs. At that time it seemed that they would not be able to achieve the target of 78 runs. But all-rounder Riazat Ali Shah, born in Gilgil of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, scored 33 runs in 56 balls and brought the team to the threshold of victory.
What is special is that this is Uganda’s first win against Papua New Guinea. The foundation of the victory was laid by its bowlers. Uganda’s bowlers bowled tightly under the leadership of Frank Nsubuga. As a result, the opponent Papua New Guinea could score only 77 runs. However, chasing the target was not easy. Uganda lost 4 wickets in the powerplay on a slow pitch.
When Riazat Ali came to bat, Uganda’s score was just 6 runs at the loss of 2 wickets in 1.1 overs. After this, Uganda lost 2 more wickets by the 5th ball of the sixth over. After this, Riazat Ali along with Juma Miyagi made an important partnership of 35 runs for the sixth wicket. But when the team was just 3 runs away from the target, Riazat Ali was caught by John Kariko near third man on the ball of Norman Vanua.
