Off-spinner Frank Nsubuga delivered the most economical spell in the history of the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup, setting the stage for Uganda’s historic three-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a low-scoring yet tense encounter on Wednesday at the Guyana National Stadium.
At 43, Nsubuga, the oldest player in the tournament, showcased his experience and skill with a record-breaking spell, finishing with figures of 4-2-4-2. He was one of four Ugandan bowlers who took two wickets each, effectively dismantling the Papuan batting line-up and restricting them to a meager total of 77 in 19.1 overs in their Group C match.
Despite a confident start with the ball, Uganda experienced a crisis of confidence during their chase, stumbling to 25 for four by the end of the Power Play. The situation worsened when Dinesh Nakrani fell to pacer Norman Vanua, leaving Uganda teetering at 26 for five in the seventh over.
A top score of 33
However, Riazat Ali Shah, who earned the Player-of-the-Match award, stabilized the innings with a top score of 33. He formed a crucial partnership of 35 runs with Jimmy Miyagi, whose 13 was the only other double-figure score in the Ugandan innings. Despite some nervous moments, Uganda eventually crawled past their target of 78 in the 19th over.
Riazat had a stroke of luck on eight when Charles Amini dropped him at backward point off Chad Soper in the ninth over. Additionally, the Pacific Islanders’ sloppy bowling, which included conceding 15 wides, further aided Uganda’s cause.
The African side, having beaten out fellow African nation and long-time ICC full member Zimbabwe in the qualifiers, celebrated their maiden World Cup victory with jubilant dancing on the outfield.
Uganda captain Brian Masaba expressed his elation after the match: “This is obviously huge for us. There is 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]. We’ll probably have to sleep on it before we understand the magnitude of what that means.”
Uganda won the toss and decided to field first
He also acknowledged the passionate support from their fans: “But we’ve got a passionate group of fans. I mean these guys have traveled halfway across the world to be here, to witness this, and I’m sure this is more than they expected when they set off from Uganda.”
Uganda won the toss and decided to field first. They immediately reaped rewards as left-arm spinner Alpesh Ramjani trapped PNG captain Assad Vala lbw with the second ball of the innings, starting with a wicket-maiden opening over.
Pacer Juma Miyagi added pressure by getting Sese Bau caught at mid-off for five in the third over. Opener Tony Ura was also caught at mid-on off pacer Cosmas Kyewuta for one, leaving PNG struggling at 33 for three at the end of the Power Play. Despite a brief resistance, PNG lost their last six wickets for just 29 runs in 54 balls, with none of their batsmen reaching 20.
