Skipper Brian Masaba and the Uganda cricket team made history with their first-ever victory at the Twenty20 World Cup, marking a monumental milestone in the nation’s cricketing journey. In a thrilling match against Papua New Guinea in the Caribbean, Uganda secured a dramatic three-wicket win, celebrating with unique joy and gratitude.
Uganda’s triumph came in a low-scoring encounter, as they bowled out PNG for just 77 runs. Despite the modest target, Uganda faced early setbacks in their chase, losing three wickets within 2.1 overs and stumbling to 26/5 by the seventh over. However, composed innings from Riazat Ali Shah (33) and Juma Miyagi (13) steadied the ship, culminating in a crucial 35-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Their resilient effort guided Uganda to victory with 10 balls and three wickets to spare, a remarkable achievement in only their second game at a T20 World Cup. The team’s post-match celebration included a heartfelt tribute to their fans, with a bow of gratitude from the boundary rope.
Their exuberant celebration continued with a viral video capturing their joyous song and dance on the field, showcasing their infectious enthusiasm and the historical significance of their win. Masaba expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, highlighting the dedication and hard work that led to this special moment.
Uganda’s journey to this historic win involved navigating through the African qualifying stages, securing their spot in the 20-team global tournament. Their victory over Zimbabwe, a long-standing full member of the International Cricket Council, underlines the remarkable progress of Ugandan cricket on the international stage.