By Both teams, underdogs coming off opening defeats, are set to claim their historic first World Cup win tonight at Guyana’s National Stadium, weather permitting. PNG showed a hard-fought effort against the hosts, while Uganda learned a harsh lesson from Afghanistan.
This will be only the second T20I between the sides. Their first meeting was at the 2022 Qualifier in Zimbabwe, where PNG won comfortably. Their only other short-format fixture was in 2013 at the Global T20 Qualifier.
In 50-over internationals, PNG has dominated, winning four of five official matches, although most were closely contested. PNG’s notable victories include a one-run thriller at the 2005 ICC Trophy in Dublin and a 9-wicket win at the 2014 World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand, which led to their ODI status.
However, the teams are converging again. PNG’s recent relegation means they’ll compete at the same level as Uganda next cycle. Uganda has been impressive, consistently outperforming old rivals like Kenya and trailing only Namibia among the region’s leading Associates.
Uganda had to overcome a full member, Zimbabwe, to get here, winning by 5 wickets in their first official match against a Full Member. Meanwhile, PNG is yet to achieve this feat but is aiming for it this tournament. The immediate priority for both is a first win in front of the world, and both teams see this as their best chance.
When: PNG vs Uganda, June 5, 11:30 PM GMT, 7:30 PM LOCAL, 5:00 AM IST (JUNE 6)
Where: Providence Stadium, Guyana
What to expect: Rain may shorten the match. If play occurs, big scores are possible by attacking early, as shown by Afghanistan in their first group match. The ground is spin-friendly and somewhat sluggish, with dew and damp conditions potentially affecting fielders and bowlers.
Head to Head in T20Is: 1-0
Team Watch: PNG
Jack Gardner remains sidelined with a broken finger, but PNG is likely to field an unchanged eleven after a decent showing against the Windies.
Probable XI: Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Charles Amini, Kiplin Doriga (w), Chad Soper, Alei Nao, Kabua Morea, John Kariko
Team Watch: Uganda
Uganda may see some changes in their playing eleven, with no fitness concerns reported.
Probable XI: Ronak Patel, Simon Ssesazi (w), Roger Mukasa, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, Robinson Obuya, Brian Masaba (c), Frank Nsubuga, Cosmas Kyewuta, Henry Ssenyondo
Did you know?
Asad Vala and Frank Nsubuga have played every official match between these teams since the 2005 ICC Trophy.
