"We'll probably have to sleep over it before we understand the magnitude of what that means. But we've got a passionate group of fans. I mean these guys have travelled halfway across the world to be here, to witness this I'm sure this is more than they expected, when they set off from Uganda. So, it was very special for us as a group to give them a win, these guys back home that have stayed up at night - it's 5.30 in the morning in Uganda right now. So, these guys have stayed up to watch this, and I hope they feel as elated as we do. So yeah, a very, very special feeling," conveyed Masaba.
'To be at the World Cup is one thing, but to win a game is totally different' - Brian Masaba reflects on Uganda's enthralling win against PNG
Uganda got the better of PNG in a fiercely-contested game as they registered a three-wicket victory with 10 deliveries to spare.
Without intending any disrespect to associate nations, Uganda and Papua New Guinea, Match 9 of the T20 World Cup 2024 might have seemed to lack appeal to quite a lot of cricket viewers prior to its commencement. However, the match evolved into a gripping spectacle, characterized by intense competition and low scores. In a historic turn of events, T20 World Cup debutants, Uganda, secured a three-wicket victory for the ages, a triumph that will undoubtedly resonate deeply within the annals of both global and Ugandan cricket.
The winning skipper Brian Masaba, who played a due part with the ball with his 2/17, before finishing the game in the penultimate over during the chase, found himself deeply immersed in the very moment during the post-match conference. Masaba reflected on the cosmic significance and monumental impact of their victory for both - the team and the cricket in Uganda. The skipper articulated that while participating in a global tournament is a noteworthy feat, while also conveying that the authentic realization of their win had to yet be internalized by the team.
"Yeah, this is obviously huge for Uganda. There's no other way to say it. It's massive for Ugandan cricket. To be at a World Cup is one thing, but to pick up a World Cup win, that's something totally different. And it hasn't sunk in [yet]," expressed a thrilled Masaba, speaking at the post-match press conference.
I hope they feel as elated as we do: Masaba
Continuing further, the 32-year-old emphasized that for the magnitude of their achievement to truly resonate, the team must awaken from their current state of disbelief. He lavished praise upon the dedicated supporters who had gathered at the stadium, acknowledging their remarkable commitment to travel vast distances in support of the team, a gesture deeply cherished by the captain.
The cricketer also expressed profound admiration for the fans back in Uganda, noting their unwavering dedication to staying tuned in until the early hours of the morning to witness this historic moment. He expressed hope that those supporters experienced the same sense of pride and overwhelming joy as the unit, characterizing the collective sentiment as exceptionally intense.
Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: PNG vs UGA- Who said What?
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