GEORGETOWN, Guyana, June 6, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Uganda claimed their first
ever T20 World Cup win with a three-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea at
Providence Stadium on Wednesday in a low-scoring but tense encounter.

The African side bowled out PNG for 77 and after struggling at 26-5 in reply
reached the target in 18.2 overs with Riazat Ali Shah top-scoring with 33.

Riazat put on a crucial sixth wicket partnership of 35 with Juma Miyagi (13)
which effectively won the game for the tournament debutants.

But PNG will rue the moment that Riazat, on eight, was dropped by Charles
Amini, who misjudged a relatively simple catch.

The Pacific Islanders had their work cut out trying to defend such a low
total but were also undone in part by some loose bowling, conceding 15 wides.

After that let-off, Riazat played a disciplined and focused innings until,
with just three needed to win, he skied a catch to John Kariko at third man.

The Ugandans celebrated their victory with dancing on the edge of the field
as the team, which beat out more established cricketing nation Zimbabwe to
reach the tournament, picked up their first points.

"That's a pretty special win for us. You know, first win at the World Cup,"
said Uganda skipper Brian Masaba.

"It doesn't get more special than this. I'm super proud of this group of
guys. I mean, they've put in the work, they've put in such a shift. And to
get a win for their country at the World Cup is very, very special," he
added.

Masaba had won the toss and put Papua New Guinea in to bat and was rewarded
when Alpesh Ramjani removed PNG captain Assad Vala with the second ball of
the innings, trapping him lbw in what was a wicket-maiden opening over.

Sese Bau tried to drive Juma Miyagi but was snaffled up by Roger Mukasa who
did well to get back and make the catch from mid-off.

Tony Ura went in similar fashion as his attempted drive off Cosmas Kyewuta
became a simple catch for Mukasa at mid-on to leave his side struggling at
19-3 in the fourth over.

Lega Siaka looked confident making 12 off 17 balls before an ill-advised
attempt to make a second run ended in a run-out and when Charles Amini was
bowled by Frank Nsubuga it was damage limitation time.

But only Hiri Hiri (15) and Kiplin Doriga (12) were able to make double
figures as the Pacific Islanders were bowled out with five balls left of
their allotted 20 overs.