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Uganda Cricket Cranes achieved their maiden T20 World Cup win by defeating Papua New Guinea by three wickets at Providence Stadium in Guyana. The victory marked a significant milestone for the Cricket Cranes.

Uganda achieved their first-ever T20 World Cup victory with a three-wicket win over Papua New Guinea at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The match was a low-scoring but tense encounter.

The African team, known as the Cricket Cranes, bowled out Papua New Guinea for 77 runs. Despite a challenging start at 26-5, Uganda reached the target in 18.2 overs, with Riazat Ali Shah top-scoring with 33 runs.

Riazat formed a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 35 runs with Juma Miyagi, who scored 13 runs, effectively securing the win for the tournament debutants. However, Papua New Guinea will regret the moment when Charles Amini dropped a relatively simple catch, giving Riazat a reprieve when he was on eight runs.

Defending a low total, Papua New Guinea struggled with loose bowling, conceding 15 wides. After being dropped, Riazat played a disciplined and focused innings until he was caught by John Kariko at third man with just three runs needed to win.

The Ugandan team celebrated their victory with dancing on the edge of the field. The team, which outperformed the more established cricketing nation Zimbabwe to qualify for the tournament, earned their first points.

“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. They’ve put in the work, 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.

Masaba had won the toss and elected to field. This decision was rewarded when Alpesh Ramjani removed PNG captain Assad Vala with the second ball of the innings, trapping him lbw in a wicket-maiden opening over.

Sese Bau was caught by Roger Mukasa off Juma Miyagi, and Tony Ura was caught by Mukasa again at mid-on off Cosmas Kyewuta, leaving Papua New Guinea at 19-3 in the fourth over.

Lega Siaka, who scored 12 runs off 17 balls, was run out attempting a second run. Charles Amini was then bowled by Frank Nsubuga, signaling damage limitation for PNG. Only Hiri Hiri (15) and Kiplin Doriga (12) managed to reach double figures, and Papua New Guinea was bowled out with five balls remaining in their allotted 20 overs.