NEW DELHI: Skipper
Brian Masaba
and the
Uganda cricket team
celebrated their first-ever victory at the Twenty20 World Cup with style and exuberance, marking a significant milestone for the nation's cricketing journey.
In a low-scoring thriller against
Papua New Guinea
,
Uganda
secured a dramatic three-wicket win, which they celebrated with their unique brand of joy and gratitude.
T20 World Cup Schedule | Points Table
The match, held in the Caribbean, saw Uganda bowl out PNG for a meager 77 runs. Despite the low target, Uganda's chase was fraught with challenges. They faced a precarious situation early on, losing their first three wickets in just 2.1 overs and further slumping to 26/5 by the seventh over.
However, Riazat Ali Shah's composed 33 and Juma Miyagi's supportive 13 helped stabilize the innings. Their crucial 35-run partnership for the sixth wicket steered Uganda towards the finish line, achieving the target with 10 balls and three wickets to spare in only their second game at a
T20 World Cup
.
Following the victory, the Ugandan team lined up on the boundary rope to bow and acknowledge the fans who had traveled from Africa to support them. This heartfelt gesture was a tribute to their supporters and a testament to their unity and gratitude.
Their celebration didn't stop there. A video capturing their joyous song and dance on the field quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the team's infectious enthusiasm and the historic nature of their triumph.
WATCH:
"First win at the World Cup — doesn't get more special than this," Masaba said after the match. "I'm super proud of this group, the work they put in. To get a win for their country at a World Cup, it's pretty special."
Uganda's journey to this historic win included navigating through the African qualifying stages, ultimately securing their spot in the 20-team global tournament at the expense of Zimbabwe, a long-time full member of the International Cricket Council.
(With inputs from AP)
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