PNG vs UGA: Uganda struggle to pick first T20 World Cup win; lose seven wickets in 78-run chase against Papua New Guinea

Brian Masaba's Uganda defeated Assad Vala-led Papua New Guinea by three wickets in match 9 of the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup 2024 which will be played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, on June 6 (Thursday). This is also Uganda's first win in the mega tournament. However, they had to struggle to get to it as they lost 7 wickets even in a low-scoring chase.

Uganda bowl out Papua New Guinea on 77 runs

Uganda put on a great bowling show as they bowled out Papua New Guinea on the paltry score of 77 runs. No batter from the PNG side could even reach the 20-run mark and their highest scorer was Hiri Hiri with 15 runs on 19 balls. Everyone from Uganda's bowling unit performed well as four of their five bowlers grabbed 2-wickets each and captain Masaba picked one.

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PNG fight back in chase

Uganda did get the win but PNG did not give it away easy. They grabbed 7 wickets and took the match till the penultimate over. 10 or 15 more runs there would have easily changed the match result. Uganda could only hit two boundaries during their innings.

Brian Masaba reacts to Uganda's first win

“Pretty special win for us, first win at the World Cup. Doesn't get more special than this. Super proud of this group of guys, put in the work, to get a win for their country at the World Cup is very special. It's been quite a journey, 3-4 years of very hard work both by the players and the board back home to make this happen. Getting to the World Cup was very special, this is even more special. Compared to last game, we got our plans right today. Execution was much better, it's what we would have wanted in the first game, we got it right this time. The ability to adjust very quickly to the conditions and then execute the plans, super proud of the bowling display, they set up the win,” Masaba said in the post-match presentation.

 

“Kudos to them for keep their heads down and doing the job for the team. We've got a pretty special group of fans. These guys have travelled halfway around the world to come and support us. I don't think they came expecting to get a World Cup win, so it's the least we can do for them. I hope they feel as special as we do. Back home, there's huge following, they are following up till 3:30-4:30 in the morning to watch us play, it's not easy. We salute them, we appreciate them. There's a couple of guys from my old school who threatened my life if I didn't send them regards live on TV (chuckles). To the fans, thank you very much. We appreciate you guys and keep bringing the support,” he added.

 

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