Entebbe, Uganda | July 25, 2025 – Uganda maintained their unbeaten run at the second edition of the Pearl of Africa (POA) T20 Series with a commanding six-wicket win over Kenya in the second round leg of the Migingo Derby on Matchday 7 at the lakeside Entebbe Oval.
The victory sets up a winner-takes-all finale fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday afternoon, where Uganda aim to go all out guns blazing, clinch the title and continue ticking their World Cup Africa Qualifier preparation boxes.
Match Summary – Game 5
Kenya: 124/8 (20) (R Patel 37; C Kyewuta 2/25, J Miyaji 2/37, F Nsubuga 1/10, D Nakrani 1/18)
Uganda: 125/4 (18.1) (R Dhawan 32, D Nakrani 23*, J Miyaji 18*; L Olouch 1/6, S Ngoche 1/9)
Result: Uganda won by 6 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Dinesh Nakrani – 23* off 20 & 1/18 in 4 overs
Next Match: Uganda vs. UAE – Sunday July 27, 1:30 PM, Entebbe
Sent in to bowl first after captain Juma Miyaji won his fifth consecutive toss, Uganda applied early pressure despite Kenya’s brisk start to 30/1 in 3 overs. The bowlers quickly turned the screws, stifling Kenya’s momentum through disciplined spells and sharp fielding.
Former Kenya captain Rakep Patel top-scored for Kenya with a patient 37 off 36 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals as Kenya managed only 124/8 in their 20 overs.
In response, Uganda’s chase began steadily with openers Robinson Obuya (17) and Shrideep Mangela (14) laying the platform before Raghav Dhawan anchored the innings with a crucial 32 off 46 balls. Cyrus Kakuru added a handy 17 off 16 to keep Uganda on track before holing out in the 12th over.
With 30 runs required from the final 4 overs and minor nerves creeping in among the home fans, coach Abhay Sharma promoted captain Miyaji up the order to finish the job emphatically, smashing an unbeaten 18 off just 7 balls, including two boundaries and a towering six, to seal victory with 11 balls to spare.
He was ably supported by all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani, who was named Player of the Match for his composed 23* off 20 balls alongside a tidy bowling spell of 1/18 in 4 overs.
Speaking after the match, Captain Juma Miyaji emphasized the team’s focus ahead of Sunday’s final showdown:
“We treated today’s game as a final because we wanted to stay in charge of our own fate. We knew Kenya wouldn’t be easy but the boys showed great character. Against UAE on Sunday, we want to keep ticking our boxes, play with freedom, and hopefully win the title for Uganda.”
Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang praised the team’s composure under pressure and their continued growth in executing match plans.
“The way the bowlers bounced back in this one was nice to see and the way batsmen controlled the chase was also enjoyable to watch although we lost so many unnecessary wickets. Sunday will be a good game as we look to wrap up on a high and get some T20I ranking points off UAE,” he said.
Uganda enjoy a rest day tomorrow as UAE take on Nigeria, who beat Namibia A by 6 runs yesterday evening, in the morning, while Kenya face Namibia A. The tournament climaxes on Sunday with Uganda set for a thrilling decider against UAE in a match that promises high stakes and intensity.
Points Table – Pearl of Africa T20 Series – After Matchday Seven
|
Team |
Played |
Won |
Lost |
Tied |
No Result |
Points |
NRR |
|
Uganda |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
1.670 |
|
UAE |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
2.480 |
|
Kenya |
5 |
1 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
-1.140 |
|
Nigeria |
4 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
-3.496 |
|
Namibia A |
5 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0.267 |
|
Uganda A |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0.025 |
NB: In yellow shade, non-scoring teams.
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