Uganda’s Historic First World Cup Win: A Low-Scoring Thriller Against Papua New Guinea

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Uganda made history in Guyana by winning their first-ever World Cup cricket match, defeating Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a dramatic, low-scoring game. This victory marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s cricketing journey and denied PNG the same opportunity.

Dale Steyn - Uganda's Historic First World Cup Win

Match Summary

Uganda: 78/7 in 18.2 overs
Papua New Guinea: 77 all out in 19.1 overs

Top Performers:

  • Uganda: Riazat Ali Shah (33 runs off 56 balls), Frank Nsubuga (2 wickets for 4 runs in 4 overs)
  • PNG: Alei Nao (2 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs), Hiri Hiri (15 runs off 19 balls)

Uganda’s Strong Bowling Performance

The game began with Uganda’s left-arm spinner, Alpesh Ramjani, delivering a perfect start by taking a wicket maiden in the very first over. He trapped PNG’s captain, Assad Vala, right in front of the stumps on the second ball.

Juna Miyagi, a World Cup debutant, followed up with another wicket in the third over. PNG’s trouble continued as Tony Ura fell to Cosmas Kyewuta’s fast pace in the next over. Despite some resistance from Lega Siaka and Hiri Hiri, PNG found themselves struggling at 36/4 due to a mix-up in running between the wickets.

Uganda’s spinners kept the pressure on, with 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga leading the charge. His disciplined bowling, which included two wicket-maidens, left PNG at 65/7. The tailenders couldn’t add much, and PNG was bowled out for just 77 runs.

Uganda’s Challenging Chase

Chasing a modest target of 78, Uganda faced early setbacks. Alei Nao dismissed Roger Mukasa for a duck in the opening over. Norman Vanue soon removed Robinson Obuya, and Nao struck again to get rid of Simon Ssesazi, leaving Uganda at a precarious 6/3.

Riazat Ali Shah and Alpesh Ramjani tried to stabilize the innings, but Chad Soper broke their partnership. Dinesh Nakrani was dismissed shortly after, and Uganda found themselves at 26/5 after the powerplay.

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