PNG vs UGA

The low scoring thrillers are quite symbolic of how tough it can get when the pitch is in favour of the bowlers. T20 is a game for batters, at least, that's what they say. So when their technique and temperament get tested, it adds a completely new dimension to the game. Even if two associate nations were involved tonight in Guyana, they showed just how crucial it is to bat well on tricky pitches and not give away any freebie with the ball. With that, we come to the end of yet another pulsating match in this World Cup with Uganda winning for the first time in the tournament's history, in only their second game! The action continues with co-hosts USA taking on last time's runners-up Pakistan in Dallas. You can catch all the action right here by joining us. Right now though, you can catch our co-commentators Karthik Raj and Rudransh bringing live coverage from Barbados in the other game that's on - between Australia and Oman, over here. This is the pair of Arya and Bidipto taking your leave. Keep following Sportskeeda! 

Brian Masaba (Uganda captain): Winning such a match, that too in a World Cup, is pretty special! Getting to the World Cup was special in itself, but this is even more special! We were able adjust to the conditions quickly, we bowled wicket to wicket and did not give any freebies, so that set up the win. We knew that it was going to be tough for us having watched them bat on that wicket, but we stuck to the task, and never gave up! Our fans have been highly supportive, they have been by our side through thick and thin and all we can say to them is that we need more of it to give them more joy in the future! 

Assad Vala (Papua New Guinea captain): I think if we could get to 100, or just about, we would have given ourselves a better chance. But losing too many wickets did not help us. We also gave away too many extras and did not hold on to the chances presented, but yes, those are the areas where we need to work on and improve, going forward. 

Riazat Ali Shah is the Player of the Match, here is what he had to say: First off all it wasn't easy to bat on. When I came in we had already lost two wickets. The target wasn't quite big so we wanted to stay there and bat on. It was just about staying in and rotate the strike. Especially it's our first World Cup, first win of the World Cup it's a special moment for us. Big stage for us at cricket and thanks to our supporters back at home and all over the world. They are always backing us. Like especially after the first game we were a bit down but we knew how talented the group is and wanted to win games.

Uganda win by 3 wickets with 10 balls to spare! 

Riazat Ali Shah 33 (56) | Frank Nsubuga - 2/4 (4)
Hiri Hiri 15 (19) | Alei Nao - 2/16 (4)

A target of 78 runs never looked threatening. In the end, a win with 10 deliveries left in the innings does look okay, but in between, things were far from okay for Uganda! However, somehow, in some way, they managed to get over the line and get their first win in T20 World Cups. 

As many as 5 wickets were lost for only 26 runs in 6.3 overs. Papua New Guinea were able to keep things tight and chip away with wickets at regular intervals. It was getting harder and hander to score with the ball doing all sorts of things! 

But then came a sensible, collective and vital 35-run 6th wicket partnership between Riazat Ali Shah and Juma Miyagi! They took their time, they did give a few chances here and there and could not get more than one boundary away, but with singles, made sure to put the demons and the pressure of the occasion at bay! 

They were not out of the woods yet when Miyagi was run out, but what did not help Papua New Guinea again was the drop catch of Kenneth Waisa at point. In fact, the same fielder, Sese Bau, at the same position, dropped Riazat earlier on! 

Riazat will be disappointed with his dismissal when he should have finished the match for his side after having done all the hard work, but the scratch and scathe was worth it in the end, as the team in yellow were able to get over the line! 

With the ball, Papua New Guinea were excellent! But it is in the field and in their discipline, where they struggled. As many as 15 runs were conceded as extras. That never helps while defending a total of only 77. 

18.2 Charles Amini to Kenneth Waiswa, Uganda creates history. Fuller-length delivery down leg and that has been paddled away towards the fine leg region to complete a historic victory. This is their first World Cup win and they will be mighty pleased with the effort. 

Charles Amini, right-arm off-spin, is into the attack.

Only a couple of runs required, but we are wondering what would be had PNG taken their catches and not given as many extras away! Anyway, it's been a good fight nevertheless. 

17.6 Norman Vanua to Brian Masaba, it's another wide as Uganda inch closer, goes for the leg stump yorker but just missing his line, sliding down leg and that has to be reloaded. 

Brian Masaba, RHB, is at the crease.

Riazat should be mighty disappointed with this shot and dismissal! This close to the finish, having done all the hard work, there was no need to play such a risky shot and throw it away. 

17.5 Norman Vanua to Riazat Ali Shah, WICKET! This is not done yet folks. The set batter Riazat Ali Shah has to depart but is it too little too late for PNG. Riazat takes a couple of steps forward and tries to swipe this good-length delivery a tad outside off across the line, doesn't get anywhere close to the contact he was after, gets a top edge which flies all the way to the deep third man fielder who takes it low to his left.

Riazat Ali Shah c John Kariko b Norman Vanua 33 (56b, 1x4, 0x6)

17.4 Norman Vanua to Riazat Ali Shah, punches the length delivery a shade outside off, with an angled bat but finds the backward point fielder. 

17.3 Norman Vanua to Kenneth Waiswa, defensive push of a fuller-length delivery around off, left of the short cover fielder and takes a single. 

17.2 Norman Vanua to Kenneth Waiswa, on a fullish-length around the middle stump channel, Waiswa tries to force this down the ground but ends up squeezing it off the inside edge back to the bowler. 

17.1 Norman Vanua to Kenneth Waiswa, Dropped at backward point by Sese Bau! That was a back of a length delivery outside off with width on offer, Waiswa's eyes lit up there as he went for the back cut, was straight down the throat of the fielder who spills it.