Special win, special fan following: Uganda captain proud T20 milestone

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 6, 2024 09:28 IST

Uganda captain Brian Masaba reflected on years of hard work after his team won their first-ever men's T20 World Cup match, scripting history in their maiden appearance in the tournament. Uganda defeated fellow debutants Papua New Guinea in a battle of associates in Group C at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. Uganda scraped through a victory, successfully chasing down 78 in a low-scoring thriller against PNG on Thursday, June 6.

PNG vs Uganda, T20 World Cup Highlights

Uganda were hammered by Afghanistan by 125 runs in their first match of the T20 World Cup earlier in the week, but the African nation fought back to surprise PNG with a disciplined bowling attack, led by their 43-year-old spinner Frank Nsubuga who bowled the most economical spell in a men's T20 World Cup match. It was a gritty effort from Brian Masaba's side as they tasted success in their first appearance in the showpiece event.

"Pretty special win for us. Our first win at the World Cup, doesn't get more special than this. I am super proud of the work they put in. To get a win for their country at a World Cup, it is pretty special. It has been quite a journey. Three to four years of very, very hard work, by the players and the board back home. Getting to the World Cup was special, but this is more special," Masaba said on Thursday.

Notably, Uganda came through to the World Cup after beating the likes of Test-playing Zimbabwe and 2003 World Cup semifinalists Kenya in the African qualifiers. Most of the players from the Ugandan side are from humble backgrounds, but the bunch of 15 have rallied together over the last 15 years.

MIYAGI MAGIC FOR UGANDA

In fact, the fast bowler Juma Miyagi comes from Naguru, located on the outskirts of Kampala, their capital city. Nothing has deterred the passion of these cricketers and it has led to an incredible following back in Uganda, which is predominantly a football-loving country.

It was only poetic that Juma Miyagi played a crucial role in their first-ever win at the World Cup as he picked up 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 4 overs and chipped in with a crucial 13 when Uganda were reduced to 26 for 5 in their successful chase of 78 against PNG.

"When you are three down early, chasing a low score, we know how it can be. It was a real scrap out there. Every run they scored was very important and kudos to them for keeping their heads down and doing the job for their teams," captain Masaba spoke of the crucial partnership between Riazat Ali Shah and Juma Miyagi.

SPECIAL GROUP OF FANS

The skipper also sent a message to the travelling fans, who made the atmosphere electrifying in Guyana on Thursday.

"We have a pretty special group of fans, who travel all around the world and support us. Don't think they came expecting a win in the World Cup but this is the least we can do for them. I hope they feel as special as we do. There is a huge following back home. Staying up till 3:30 or 4:30 in the morning, it is not easy. We salute them and appreciate them," he added.

Uganda will next face two-time champions and co-hosts West Indies at the Providence Stadium on June 8.