Papua New Guinea and Uganda Eye First World Cup Win in Associate Clash
PNG and Uganda, coming off defeats in their opening matches, will aim to secure their first victory at the ongoing T20 World Cup when they face off in an all-Associate clash in Group C on Wednesday.
Placed alongside strong teams like Afghanistan, West Indies, and New Zealand, PNG and Uganda know this game represents their best chance to collect two crucial points. While PNG made their T20 World Cup debut in 2021, losing all four matches, they came close to upsetting co-hosts West Indies in their recent outing. As a formidable side in the East Asia-Pacific region, especially in the shortest format, PNG are capable of handing a thrashing to Uganda, who are making their first appearance at a World Cup in any sport.
Uganda, on the other hand, are a high-energy team. Their journey to the Caribbean saw them qualify ahead of Zimbabwe via the Africa Region Qualifier last year, where they beat the latter by five wickets. However, their opening match against Afghanistan exposed the gulf between the two sides, as Uganda were bowled out for just 58 while chasing 184. But with more experience under their belt, they will be hoping to put up a better show with the bat on Wednesday.
Key Players
PNG’s Sese Bau, the fourth-highest run-scorer for his team in T20Is, is fresh off a half-century against the likes of West Indies and will be keen to continue his momentum. Uganda’s Roger Mukasa, a solid right-handed top-order batter, will be a key figure for his side, having scored 738 runs in T20Is last year, the second-highest tally.
“The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with the slow pitch at Providence potentially favoring the spinners. Both teams will be eager to make their mark and secure their maiden T20 World Cup victory.”
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