Historic day for Uganda with inaugural T20 WC win

Veteran spinner Frank Nsubuga created history in Guyana yesterday as Uganda registered their first ever victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a three-wicket triumph over Papua New Guinea.

In his first T20 World Cup appearance at 43 years of age, Nsubuga collected figures of two for four to help bowl out Papua New Guinea for just 77 at the Guyana National Stadium and the African nation held their nerve to chase down that total with 10 deliveries remaining.

The four runs conceded by Nsubuga was the fewest by any bowler in the history of the Men’s T20 World Cup to have bowled their full allotment of four overs, going past the seven runs South Africa quick Anrich Nortje conceded in the Proteas’ match against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament.

Nsubuga was one of four Uganda bowlers to collect a pair of wickets, with Alphesh Ramjani (2/17), Cosmas Kyewuta (2/17) and Juma Miyaga (2/10) also getting in on the act as Papua New Guinea were dismissed in the final over of their innings.

Uganda were reduced to six for three in reply as Papua New Guinea threatened to fightback, but Riazat Ali Shah (33) held his nerve to ensure the side clinched their first win at a Men’s T20 World Cup.

“That’s a pretty special win for us. You know, first win at the World Cup,” said Uganda Skipper Brian Masaba.

“It doesn’t get more special than this. I’m super proud of this group of guys. I mean, they’ve put in the work and they’ve put in such a shift. And to get a win for their country at the World Cup is very, very special,” he added.

Chief scores: 

Papua New Guinea: 77 in 19.1 overs (Frank Nsubuga 2/4, Juma Miyagi 2/10) 

Uganda: 78/7 in 18.2 overs (Riazat Ali Khan 33, 

Alei Nao 2/16). 

ICC