The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, Uganda | Xinhua | Ugandans are celebrating the historic win of their national cricket team against Papua New Guinea at the ongoing T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA.
After losing the opening Group C match to Afghanistan, the Uganda Cricket Cranes fought back to defeat Papua New Guinea by three wickets with 10 balls left on Thursday to improve their hopes of progressing to the next stage.
The Papua New Guinea team battled first to put on a low 77 for 19.1 overs, while a chasing Uganda pulled off 78/7 in 18.2 overs.
Janet Kataaha Museveni, wife of the President of Uganda and Minister of Education and Sports, praised the national team for raising the national flag high. “What a historic achievement by the Uganda team at the T20 Cricket World Cup!! I speak for millions of Ugandans when I say we are immensely proud of this remarkable win on the biggest of stages and pray to God to get you over the next hurdle,” posted Museveni on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
The State Minister of Sports Peter Ogwang was also full of praise for the Uganda Cricket Cranes for the big win. “This is a clear indication that we are improving. It is a historical moment and all Ugandans should be proud and happy about this first win at the T20 World Cup during this first time that we appear at the big stage,” said Ogwang in an interview with Xinhua.
Annet Mukisa, an ardent Cricket follower in Uganda, said she is very proud of the national Cricket team for winning their first match. “This win means so much for us as a country and we pray that the team can win more matches at the big stage,” said Mukisa in an interview with Xinhua.
Arthur Eminu, a sports lover also told Xinhua that winning at the World Cup is a big message to the other teams Uganda is yet to face at the World Cup. “Uganda is a much improved team and we expect better results to come,” added Eminu.
Under the watchful eyes of their Indian coach Abhay Sharma who took charge in April, Uganda is yet to face New Zealand and hosts West Indies in the other Group C matches which will determine if they progress to the knockout stage. ■
