In a historic match at the ICC T20 World Cup currently taking place in the USA and West Indies, Uganda triumphed over Papua New Guinea (PNG) by three wickets in the ninth match of the tournament. The match, held in Guyana, saw Uganda chase down PNG’s target of 78 runs in 18.2 overs, losing seven wickets in the process.
Match Summary
Uganda won the toss and elected to bowl first. Their decision paid off as they managed to bowl out PNG for just 77 runs in 19.1 overs. This low score was thanks to a disciplined bowling performance by Uganda.
Batting Highlights
- For PNG, Hiri Hiri was the top scorer with 15 runs, while Lega Siaka and Kiplin Doriga both contributed 12 runs each.
- Uganda’s bowlers, particularly Alpesh Ramjani, Cosmas Kyota, and Juma Miyagi, were impressive, each taking two wickets to restrict PNG to a meager total.
Uganda’s Chase
Chasing 78 runs, Uganda faced some challenges but managed to reach the target in 18.2 overs with three wickets remaining.
- Riazat Ali Shah played a crucial knock, scoring 33 runs, and provided the backbone of Uganda’s chase.
- Juma Miyagi added 13 runs, while Alpesh Ramjani contributed 8 runs to help secure the win.
- PNG’s bowlers, namely Alei Nao and Norman Vanua, took two wickets each, with Assad Vala grabbing one, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Uganda from achieving their target.
Significance of the Victory
This win marks Uganda’s first-ever victory in T20 World Cup history, a significant milestone for the team. With this victory, Uganda has earned two points and is positioned third in Group C. On the other hand, Papua New Guinea remains at the bottom of the table with zero points.
Tournament Context
Earlier in the tournament, Uganda suffered a defeat in their opening match against Afghanistan, while PNG was defeated by the host team, West Indies, in their first match of the event. This victory provides a significant morale boost for Uganda as they continue their journey in the T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
Uganda’s historic win against Papua New Guinea is a testament to their growing prowess in cricket. Their ability to chase a modest target under pressure highlights their potential and determination. As the tournament progresses, Uganda will look to build on this victory and aim for further successes in the T20 World Cup.