Papua New Guinea Vs Uganda, T20 World Cup Highlights: UGA Post Historic 3-Wicket Win In Low-Scoring Thriller

Welcome to the highlights of our coverage of match 9 of ICC T20 World Cup 2024, played between Papua New Guinea and Uganda at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, West Indies on Thursday, June 6. The match saw Papua New Guinea mounting an almighty fight against Uganda, but eventually falling short. Despite being dismissed for just 77 runs, PNG bowled with fire and had Uganda five down for 26 at one stage, before Riazat Ali Shah played a mature knock and helped Uganda win their first-ever match at a T20 World Cup. Catch the highlights of the PNG vs UGA game at T20 WC 2024, right here (Match Report | Scorecard | Full Coverage)

Uganda captain Brian Masaba has won the toss and decided to bowl first.

Playing XIs

Papua New Guinea: Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Kiplin Doriga, Charles Amini, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, John Kariko.

Uganda: Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Robinson Obuya, Dinesh Nakrani, Riazat Ali Shah, Alpesh Ramjani, Kenneth Waiswa, Brian Masaba (C), Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, Frank Nsubuga.

Uganda skipper Brian Masaba: We will bowl. We played here previously, we know exactly what to do. We had a discussion, just need to bat well and not lose wickets in clusters.  

PNG captain Assad Vala: We were also looking to field, but we'll need to bat well now. We spoke about some areas where we can improve, we played some good cricket against a Test-playing nation.

Uganda strike with the second ball of the match. Left-arm spinner Alpesh Ramjani traps PNG captain Assad Vala bang in front and the finger goes up. Vala reviews, but that looks plumb. The decision is upheld and PNG are 0-1 in 0.2 overs.

Papua New Guinea are in serious trouble. Two more wickets have fallen and the fourth over is still in progression. Cosmas Kyewuta and Juma Miyagi have joined Ramjani in the wickets column, and PNG are now three down with just 20 runs on the board.

Uganda's bowlers are not giving PNG anything to work with, and the batters are imploding as a result. Lega Siaka runs himself out with after calling for a disastrous second run, and PNG are four down for just 42 runs after 9 overs.

The 43-year-old Uganda spinner Frank Nsubuga has picked up back-to-back wickets and compounded PNG's woes. Tight bowling from the spinners has ensured that Uganda stay in firm control of the match.

Uganda skipper Brian Masaba cleans up Chad Soper with a flat trajectory delivery to leave PNG eight down. With just 69 runs on the board and three overs to go, Uganda will have an eye on the net run rate from here on - meaning restrict PNG to paltry score and chase it down as soon as possible.

And it's all over in 19.1 overs. An all-round bowling effort from Uganda floors Papua New Guinea, who are bowled out for just 77 runs. Alpesh Ramjani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Juma Miyagi and Frank Nsubuga all chip in with two wickets apiece, in addition to captain Masaba's dismissal of Chad Soper.

Papua New Guinea seamer Alei Nao traps Uganda opener Roger Mukasa in front, and PNG have a first-over wicket to get their tails up in an unlikely defence of their 78-run target.

This match is far from over. PNG bowlers have come out with a vengeance and have dislodged the Uganda top three for next to nothing. Brian Masaba's side are 15 for three after four overs and need a partnership to get their chase back on track.

Things are really getting interesting in Guyana. PNG have left Uganda five down with just 30 runs scored after seven overs. The batting team still need 48 runs off 78 balls, with five wickets in the bank.

Just when it was looking like Uganda have recovered from the flurry of wickets and are cruising to the 78-run target, PNG have struck again with a run out. Juma Miyagi has to go as Uganda still need 15 runs in the last six overs, with four wickets intact.

Uganda scamper home with three wickets in hand. And though it came after much stutter, it is a win to remember as Brian Masaba's team has registered Uganda's first-ever win at a T20 World Cup.

Riazat Ali Shah is named the Player of the Match for his crucial 33 runs in Uganda's chase.  

Here's what he had to say after the win: "It was not easy to bat on this wicket. When I was in, we lost a lot of wickets and I had to stay in. The target was not such that I had to hit big boundaries. (On his partnership with Juma Miyagi) We were just talking about staying in, going till the end and rotating strike. It is our first World Cup and first win of the World Cup - it is a special moment for us. Coming to the big stage, it is an amazing feeling and thanks to all our supporters back home and for our fans around the world. Whether we were on the up or down, they have always supported us. After the first game, we were a bit down but we knew how talented we are, and we wanted to show the world (how good we are)."

Brian Masaba: "Pretty special win for us. First win at the World Cup, doesn't get more special than this. Super proud of the work they put in. To get a win for their country at a World Cup, it is pretty special. It has been quite a journey. Three to four years of very, very hard work, by the players and the board back home. Getting to the World Cup was special, but this is more special. (On their bowling) When you think about it from the other day, we got our plans right. Our execution was much better. The ability to adjust very quickly to the conditions - super proud of the bowling unit, they set up the game for us. (On the fast bowlers' plan) It was pretty simple, bowl a hard length and keep it wicket-to-wicket. We got that right today and it worked in our favour. (On the partnership between Riazat and Miyagi) When you are three down early, chasing a low score, we know how it can be. It was a real scrap out there. Every run they scored was very important and kudos to them for keeping their heads down and doing the job for their teams. (On message to the fans) We have a pretty special group of fans, who travel all around the world and support us. Don't think they came expecting a win in the World Cup but this is the least we can do for them. I hope they feel as special as we do. There is a huge following back home. Staying up till 3:30 or 4:30 in the morning, it is not easy. We salute them and appreciate them. I have a couple of guys from my old school who have threatened my life if I don't give them regards live on tv (laughs). To the fans, thank you very much and keep bringing the support."

Assad Vala: (On the score and the pitch) "It was a difficult wicket to bat on, not just for us but for them also. We could not adapt as quickly. Runs around 100 would have been enough. We lost crucial wickets at crucial times. (On the message at the half-way stage) We spoke about how it was a tough wicket to start on. We learned from the lines and lengths they were bowling. We got three early wickets. But when defending a low score, we have to take our chances, and we gave away too many extras (as well). Those are the things, as the tournament goes on and against good players, we have to improve, moving into the games against Afghanistan and New Zealand."

With that, our coverage of the Uganda vs PNG game comes to an end. Updates from the T20 World Cup continue, meanwhile. For now, goodbye.