Entebbe, Uganda | July 21, 2025 – Uganda continued their dominant run in the second edition of the Pearl of Africa (POA) T20 Series with a 28-run win over Kenya at the lakeside Entebbe Oval, building crucial momentum ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Zimbabwe later this year, where they seek a second consecutive World Cup berth in Sri Lanka and India in 2026.
Match Summary – Game 3
Uganda: 157/5 in 20 overs (R Dhawan 41, R Obuya 40, D Nakrani 24*; V Patel 2/24)
Kenya: 129/7 in 20 overs (R Patel 58, S Gill 30; F Nsubuga 3/10, C Kyewuta 3/21)
Result: Uganda won by 28 runs
Player of the Match: Frank Nsubuga – 3/10 in 3 overs
Next Match: Uganda vs. Nigeria – Tuesday July 22, 1:30 PM, Entebbe
Sent in to bat after captain Juma Miyaji won his third consecutive toss, Uganda overcame early hiccups with Ronald Lutaaya departing for a duck and Shrideep Mangela’s quick cameo of 17 off 8 balls ending abruptly. The innings was steadied by a vital 84-run third wicket stand between Raghav Dhawan (41 off 39 balls) and Robinson Obuya (40 off 48 balls), which rebuilt momentum from 16/2 to 100/3.mCaptain Miyaji added a brisk 19 off 8 balls before all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani delivered the finishing kick, smashing an unbeaten 24 off 14 balls laced with a four and a six, lifting Uganda to a competitive 157 for 5 in their 20 overs.
In response, Kenya never recovered from the early fall of their captain Dhiren Gondaria (4), bowled by the ageless Frank Nsubuga in his first over. The 44-year-old off-spinner rolled back the years with a masterful spell of 3 for 10 in 3 overs, removing Tanzeel Sheikh for a golden duck the very next ball and later dismissing Pushkar Sharma as Kenya slumped to 12/3 in the powerplay.
Former Kenya skipper Rakep Patel offered brief resistance with a fighting 58 off 49 balls, supported by Sachin Gill’s quickfire 30 off 21 balls, but Uganda’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured the required rate kept climbing beyond reach.
The final flourish came from seamer Cosmas Kyewuta, whose incisive second spell dismantled Kenya’s middle and lower order, removing Patel, Gill, and Jasraj Kundi to finish with match-winning figures of 3 for 21 in 4 overs. Alpesh Ramjani chipped in with one wicket while Juma Miyaji and Dinesh Nakrani kept it tight at the death.
Coaches Abhay Sharma and Jackson Ogwang praised the team’s discipline and tactical execution. “Frank and Cosmas showed great control under pressure. Each win here strengthens our readiness for Zimbabwe,” said Ogwang.
With this result, Uganda remain unbeaten alongside Namibia A at the top of the table, enhancing confidence ahead of Tuesday’s blockbuster clash.
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