Pearl of Africa cricket series | Final day
- Kenya vs. Nigeria – 9.30 AM
- Uganda vs. UAE – 1.30 PM
Uganda’s Cricket Cranes are one win away from glory as they prepare for a highly anticipated final against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the last game of the 2025 Pearl of Africa T20 Series on Sunday at Lakeside Oval in Entebbe.
Unbeaten in five games, Uganda leads the table with 10 points. But their lead is fragile. The UAE, just behind on 8 points and boasting a superior Net Run Rate (+2.488), will snatch the title with a win. For Uganda, only victory will seal the trophy they last lifted in 2021.
“We’ve trained hard and faced every challenge. Now it’s about stepping up,” said assistant coach Jackson Ogwang. “We need our fans behind us.”
Uganda narrowly beat UAE by six runs in their earlier clash. Captain Juma Miyaji led the charge with 3/28, while Alpesh Ramjani calmly saw the team home with 21*.
But UAE captain Muhammad Waseem, who top-scored with 33, says his side has learned and will come back stronger.
Uganda’s top order Raghav Dhawan (172 runs), Shrideep Mangela (154), and Robinson Obuya (124) has been in fine form.
Their bowling has also been sharp, led by Miyaji (8 wickets), Dinesh Nakrani (6), and Cosmas Kyewuta (5).
For UAE, Zuhaib Zubair leads all bowlers with 12 wickets, backed by Haider Ali (11 wickets) and Muhammad Zohaib (113 runs).
Ranked 22nd in the world, Uganda faces the 14th-ranked UAE for a title, but also for momentum ahead of this year’s ICC World Cup Africa Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
Statistics compiled by Uganda Cricket Association media team.
