Uganda’s Cricket Cranes defended their Pearl of Africa (POA) T20 Series title in style, edging pre-tournament favorites UAE by 8 runs in a thrilling finale at the scenic Lakeside Oval in Entebbe on Sunday evening.
In a winner-takes-all clash, the Cranes delivered a flawless sixth win in six games, sending the home crowd into celebration as they lifted the trophy unbeaten.
After a shaky 51/3 start, Uganda rallied to post 170/7, powered by a 99-run partnership between Alpesh Ramjani (61 off 34) and Raghav Dhawan (56 off 41). The pair turned the tide in just 51 balls, rescuing Uganda and setting a strong total.
UAE fought hard but were held to 162/9. Uganda’s bowlers kept their nerve, Dinesh Nakrani (2/24), Frank Nsubuga (2/31), and Matthew Musinguzi (1/15) chipping in.
Ramjani capped off his all-round performance with the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament honors, having scored 334 points throughout the series. Dhawan, the tournament’s top scorer with 228 runs, was named Best Batsman.
Coach Abhay Sharma praised the team’s calm under pressure.
“The boys stuck to the plan and delivered when it mattered most. This is the kind of match that builds character.”
He also applauded captain Juma Miyaji’s leadership:
“Juma showed great maturity. He managed the team and tactics brilliantly.”
Miyaji, still riding the high of victory, said:
“This win means a lot. It’s a big step as we head into qualifiers. Everyone’s stepping up.”
Uganda’s triumph was capped off with a special moment during the closing ceremony, as cricket legend Eng. William Kibukamusoke, “The Great Kabuki,” was formally presented with his ICC award, recently brought home from Singapore.
With the four-nation tournament wrapped up, Uganda now turns its attention to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers in September in Zimbabwe.
