After 125 run mauling by Afghanistan, Uganda created history with a thrilling 3-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in a low-scoring thriller played at Providence Stadium, Guyana on 6th June 2024.
Chasing a modest total of 78 runs to win, it was not an ideal start for Uganda as Roger Musaka was dismissed in the first over itself by Nao. Uganda lost two more quick wickets of Robinson Obuya and Simon Ssezai. Alpesh Ramjani and Riazat Ali Shah steadied the ship before Ramjani was dismissed. Uganda ended the first six overs at 25 for 4.
Dinesh Nakrani was caught with a return catch by PNG captain Asad Vala to leave Uganda in trouble at 26 for 5. Riazat Ali Shah and Juma Miyagi steadied the ship for Uganda taking singles and kept the strike rotating. PNG fielding and catching were not up to the mark.
A terrible mix-up resulted in the run out of Juma Miyagi. Miyagi and Riazat Ali Shah added 35 runs for the 6th wicket. Riazat Ali tried to hit the winning shot but was caught by Kariko at third man. Kenneth Waiswa took 2 runs helping Uganda register a famous 3-wicket win with 10 balls to spare. For his 33 off 56 balls, Riazat Ali Shah was named the player of the match award.
Brilliant Bowling By Uganda
Uganda captain Brian Musaba won the toss and decided to field first. It was an ideal start for Uganda as Ramjani dismissed PNG captain Asad Vala in the 1st over itself. After some resistance by Sese Bau and Tony Ura, Miyaji struck to dismiss Sese Bau. Uganda bowlers kept it tight picking wickets at regular intervals not allowing the PNG batters to score runs easily.
At the end of the first six overs, PNG made 33 for 3. The 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga dismissed Hiri Hiri and Charles Amini to leave PNG in deep trouble. Frank was brilliant with his bowling, giving away just 4 runs in his 4 overs and taking 2 wickets. Alpesh Ramjani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Juma Miyagi while captain Brian Musaba took 1 wicket.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.