Uganda claimed their first ever T20 World Cup win with a three-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea at Providence Stadium on Wednesday in a low-scoring but tense encounter. The African side bowled out PNG for 77 and after struggling at 26-5 in reply reached the target in 18.2 overs with Riazat Ali Shah top-scoring with 33. Riazat put on a crucial sixth wicket partnership of 35 with Juma Miyagi (13) which effectively won the game for the tournament debutants.

However, PNG will always regret the moment Charles Amini dropped Riazat, who was on eight, because he misjudged a relatively easy catch.

The Pacific Islanders had their work cut out for them in trying to hold onto such a low total, but they also gave up 15 wides due to some careless bowling.

Following that break, Riazat played a disciplined and concentrated innings until he skied a catch to John Kariko at third man with three needed to win.

The Ugandans celebrated their victory with dancing on the edge of the field as the team, which beat out more established cricketing nation Zimbabwe to reach the tournament, picked up 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. I mean, 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 won the toss and elected to bat first against Papua New Guinea. This was duly noted when Alpesh Ramjani removed PNG captain Assad Vala with the opening ball of the innings, trapping him leg before wicket in an opening over that was wicket-maiden.

Sese Bau attempted to drive Juma Miyagi, but Roger Mukasa caught him off guard and recovered to make the catch from mid-off.

Tony Ura followed suit, as his attempted drive off of Chris Kyewuta was easily caught by Mukasa at mid-on, leaving his team trailing 19-3 in the fourth over.

Lega Siaka looked confident making 12 off 17 balls before an ill-advised attempt to make a second run ended in a run-out and when Charles Amini was bowled by Frank Nsubuga it was damage limitation time.

But only Hiri Hiri (15) and Kiplin Doriga (12) were able to make double figures as the Pacific Islanders were bowled out with five balls left of their allotted 20 overs