Entebbe, Uganda | July 26, 2025 – It is going to be a dramatic final-day showdown as hosts and defending champions Uganda take on pre-tournament favourites United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a fitting finale. With both sides gunning for glory, this contest is nothing short of a final.
Uganda, unbeaten after five matches and sitting atop the table with 10 points, hold a slender edge—but only just. UAE trail with 8 points, and a win will level both teams at 10, leaving Net Run Rate (NRR) to decide the eventual champion. Crucially, UAE’s superior NRR (+2.488) means Uganda must win outright to retain the trophy they lifted in 2021.
“We have trained and embraced every challenge. Now, it’s about delivering when it matters most. We call upon our fans to come out in full voice and back us,” said assistant coach Jackson Ogwang.
The first meeting between the two sides ended in a tense 6-run win for Uganda, with captain Juma Miyaji (3/28) and Alpesh Ramjani (1/17 & 21*) leading the way. But UAE captain Muhammad Waseem, who top-scored with 33 in that game, has promised a smarter batting display in the rematch.
“I admired Uganda’s passion. We will look to build on our starts and put up more runs. That will be our key to success,” said Waseem.
Players to Watch:
Uganda will rely on the dependable top order of Raghav Dhawan (172 runs), Shrideep Mangela (154), and Robinson Obuya (124) while Miyaji (8 wickets) leads a disciplined attack that also boasts of Dinesh Nakrani (6) and Cosmas Kyewuta (5).
UAE’s threat will come from tournament top wicket-taker Zuhaib Zubair (12 wickets), all-rounder Haider Ali (11 wickets), and the explosive Muhammad Zohaib (113 runs).
With Uganda ranked No.22 and UAE at No.14 in the ICC T20I rankings, Sunday’s clash is also a massive statement opportunity for both nations as they prepare for different challenging ICC pathway events with the Cricket Cranes focusing on the ICC World Cup Africa Qualifier in Zimbabwe later this year.
Matchday 9 – Sunday, July 27
Kenya vs. Nigeria – 9.30am | Entebbe Oval
Uganda vs. UAE – 1.30pm | Entebbe Oval
Points Table – Pearl of Africa T20 Series – After Matchday Eight
|
Team |
Played |
Won |
Lost |
Tied |
No Result |
Points |
NRR |
|
Uganda |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
1.670 |
|
UAE |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
2.488 |
|
Kenya |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
-1.161 |
|
Nigeria |
5 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-3.248 |
|
Namibia A |
6 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0.191 |
|
Uganda A |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0.025 |
NB: In yellow shade, non-scoring teams.
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