T20 World Cup 2024: PNG vs UGA- Who said What?

Team Uganda (UGA) scripted history in Guyana against Papua New Guinea (PNG) as they clinched their first-ever victory in their maiden T20 World Cup appearance. Notably, on Thursday, June 6, the Brian Masaba-led side showed resistance in a low thriller which was the Match 9 of the battle of the associates.

Masaba after winning the toss chose to have a go with the ball first. Uganda bowlers were on song with the ball early on as they gave early jolts to PNG and dismissed key players like Tony Ura and skipper Assad Vala. Speaking of Papua New Guinea's batting, only Lega Siaka (12 off 17 balls) and Hiri Hiri (15 off 19 balls) managed to reach double figures while the rest of the team got folded quite cheaply.

Uganda's Franco Nsubuga created a world record with exceptional bowling

However, the star of the day was Franco Nsubuga who put up a stellar bowling display despite being the oldest player of the squad. Notably, the 43-year-old who made his debut for Uganda in 2019, first claimed the wicket of the top scorer Hiri Hiri and then dismissed Charles Amini (5 off 14 balls). The magnitude of his bowling effort can be understood by the fact that out of his four-over spell, Nsubuga conceded  (2/4) only four runs and claimed two wickets along with as many maidens. This meant that the Ugandan became the bowler who conceded the least run in the history of the Men's T20 World Cup surpassing South Africa's Anrich Nortje's record created just recently against Sri Lanka. Consequently, Papua New Guinea got skittled for a mere 77 runs.

Riaz Ali Shah's valiant match-winning knock helped Uganda script history 

In reply, Papua New Guinea ensured that the match was not one-sided as they put Uganda under immense pressure by taking three wickets in quick succession. Alei Nao trapped openers Roger Mukasa and Simon Ssesazi lbw (leg before wicket) with a score reading 3/6 in 2.1 overs of the run chase. After that, it was Riazat Ali Shah who led the Ugandan batting from the front with a match-defining knock (33 off 56 balls). Shah also stitched a vital 19-run stand with Alpesh Ramjani (8 off 10 balls) before Chad Soper cleaned the latter. After that, PNG skipper Assad Vala introduced himself and claimed a wicket leaving Uganda five down.

But the thrilling game took a wild turn when Ali Shah was given a lifeline after he was dropped at point and this resulted in him stitching another valuable 35-run partnership with Juma Miyagi (13 off 16). In the end, Shah departed when the Cranes needed just three runs to win. For a fitting win, Uganda skipper Brian Masaba was standing at the other end as Kenneth Waiswa took a double run to seal the historic T20 World Cup 2024 win for the East African nation.

Meanwhile, here's what the Captains of PNG vs Uganda clash had to say:

Brian Masaba, Winning Captain (Uganda): Pretty special win for us. First win at the World Cup, doesn't get more special than this. Super proud of the work they put in. To get a win for their country at a World Cup, it is pretty special. It has been quite a journey. Three to four years of very, very hard work, by the players and the board back home. Getting to the World Cup was special, but this is more special. (On their bowling) When you think about it from the other day, we got our plans right. Our execution was much better. The ability to adjust very quickly to the conditions - super proud of the bowling unit, they set up the game for us. (On the fast bowlers' plan) It was pretty simple, bowl a hard length and keep it wicket-to-wicket. We got that right today and it worked in our favour. (On the partnership between Riazat and Miyagi) When you are three down early, chasing a low score, we know how it can be. It was a real scrap out there. Every run they scored was very important and kudos to them for keeping their heads down and doing the job for their teams. (On message to the fans) We have a pretty special group of fans, who travel all around the world and support us. Don't think they came expecting a win in the World Cup but this is the least we can do for them. I hope they feel as special as we do. There is a huge following back home. Staying up till 3:30 or 4:30 in the morning, it is not easy. We salute them and appreciate them. I have a couple of guys from my old school who have threatened my life if I don't give them regards live on tv (laughs). To the fans, thank you very much and keep bringing the support.

Assad Vala, Losing Captain (PNG): (On the score and the pitch) It was a difficult wicket to bat on, not just for us but for them also. We could not adapt as quickly. Runs around 100 would have been enough. We lost crucial wickets at crucial times. (On the message at the half-way stage) We spoke about how it was a tough wicket to start on. We learned from the lines and lengths they were bowling. We got three early wickets. But when defending a low score, we have to take our chances, and we gave away too many extras (as well). Those are the things, as the tournament goes on and against good players, we have to improve, moving into the games against Afghanistan and New Zealand.

Riazat Ali Shah, POTM: It was not easy to bat on this wicket. When I was in, we lost a lot of wickets and I had to stay in. The target was not such that I had to hit big boundaries. (On his partnership with Miyagi) We were just talking about staying in, going till the end and rotating strike. It is our first World Cup and first win of the World Cup - it is a special moment for us. Coming to the big stage, it is an amazing feeling and thanks to all our supporters back home and for our fans around the world. Whether we were on the up or down, they have always supported us. After the first game, we were a bit down but we knew how talented we are, and we wanted to show the world (how good we are).