Uganda Triumphs as Riazat Inspires Historic T20 World Cup Win
In a thrilling encounter in Guyana, Uganda secured their first-ever win at the T20 World Cup by defeating Papua New Guinea (PNG) by three wickets. The low-scoring game saw Uganda chase down a modest target of 78 runs, with Riazat Ali Shah playing a pivotal role in steering his team to victory.
Riazat’s Calmness Leads Uganda Home
Riazat Ali Shah emerged as the hero for Uganda with a composed innings of 33 off 56 balls. His patient approach and careful shot selection were crucial in navigating the tricky chase. Despite losing wickets early, Uganda managed to reach their target in the 19th over, thanks in large part to Riazat’s determination and resilience.
Reflecting on the match, Riazat said, “It was a tough pitch to bat on, but we stayed focused and worked hard for every run. This win means a lot to us as a team and a nation.”
Ugandan Bowlers Dominate PNG
The foundation of Uganda’s victory was laid by their bowlers, who restricted PNG to a mere 77 runs. The experienced Frank Nsubuga, aged 43, and the young Juma Miyagi, aged 21, were exceptional with the ball. Nsubuga’s economical spell of 4-2-4-2 set a new record for the most economical spell in T20 World Cup history. His performance was complemented by Miyagi’s figures of 2-10, which kept PNG on the back foot throughout their innings.
Ugandan captain Brian Masaba praised the bowlers, saying, “Our bowlers were outstanding today. They executed our plans perfectly and gave us a great chance to win the game.”
Key Moments in PNG’s Batting Collapse
Uganda’s bowlers struck early, with Alpesh Ramjani dismissing PNG’s left-hand batter Assad Vala with just the second ball of the match. Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta maintained pressure with their pace, resulting in key dismissals. Notably, Tony Ura, PNG’s highest run-scorer in T20Is, was caught by Roger Mukasa, further denting PNG’s hopes.
Frank Nsubuga’s clever bowling saw him dismiss Charles Amini and Hiri Hiri, making him the second-oldest bowler to take a wicket in T20 World Cup history. The accurate and disciplined bowling performance from Uganda ensured that PNG never gained momentum, with the last two wickets falling swiftly to Miyagi and Kyewuta.
Nao’s Efforts in Vain as Uganda Holds Nerve
PNG’s Alei Nao provided an early breakthrough by removing Roger Mukasa for a duck in the first over. PNG’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Norman Vanua and Nao taking crucial wickets, leaving Uganda reeling at 6 for 3.
Despite the setbacks, Riazat’s calmness under pressure shone through. His partnership of 35 runs with Miyagi for the sixth wicket proved decisive. Although Riazat was eventually dismissed in the 18th over, his efforts had brought Uganda to the brink of victory. The final moments saw Uganda crossing the finish line with a few balls to spare, sealing a historic win.
Captain Brian Masaba summed up the significance of the victory: “This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It’s a proud moment for Ugandan cricket, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.”
Uganda’s victory over PNG at the T20 World Cup marks a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. Riazat Ali Shah’s inspirational performance and the bowlers’ exceptional display ensured a memorable win for Uganda. As the tournament progresses, Uganda will look to build on this success and continue to make their mark on the world stage.
