NEW DELHI: Skipper Brian Masaba and the Uganda cricket team celebrated their first-ever victory at the Twenty20 World Cup with style and exuberance, marking a significant milestone for the nation's cricketing journey.
In a low-scoring thriller against Papua New Guinea, Uganda secured a dramatic three-wicket win, which they celebrated with their unique brand of joy and gratitude.
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The match, held in the Caribbean, saw Uganda bowl out PNG for a meager 77 runs. Despite the low target, Uganda's chase was fraught with challenges. They faced a precarious situation early on, losing their first three wickets in just 2.1 overs and further slumping to 26/5 by the seventh over.
However, Riazat Ali Shah's composed 33 and Juma Miyagi's supportive 13 helped stabilize the innings. Their crucial 35-run partnership for the sixth wicket steered Uganda towards the finish line, achieving the target with 10 balls and three wickets to spare in only their second game at a T20 World Cup.
Following the victory, the Ugandan team lined up on the boundary rope to bow and acknowledge the fans who had traveled from Africa to support them. This heartfelt gesture was a tribute to their supporters and a testament to their unity and gratitude.
Their celebration didn't stop there. A video capturing their joyous song and dance on the field quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the team's infectious enthusiasm and the historic nature of their triumph.
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"First win at the World Cup — doesn't get more special than this," Masaba said after the match. "I'm super proud of this group, the work they put in. To get a win for their country at a World Cup, it's pretty special."
Uganda's journey to this historic win included navigating through the African qualifying stages, ultimately securing their spot in the 20-team global tournament at the expense of Zimbabwe, a long-time full member of the International Cricket Council.
(With inputs from AP)
