Uganda vs United Arab Emirates, 12th Match (T20) - July 27, 2025

Uganda defeated the United Arab Emirates by 8 runs in a thrilling T20 match held at the Entebbe Cricket Oval. Uganda's strong batting performances from Raghav Dhawan and Alpesh Ramjani sealed the victory, while disciplined bowling, especially from Dinesh Nakrani and Frank Nsubuga, defended their total successfully. Alpesh Ramjani was the standout player and deservedly earned the Player of the Match award.

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Match Highlights

• Result: Uganda won by 8 runs.

• Top Batting Performances:

  • Uganda: Alpesh Ramjani scored 61 runs off 34 balls (8 fours, 1 six) and Raghav Dhawan contributed 56 runs off 41 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes).
  • UAE: Ethan DSouza scored 32 runs off 17 balls (4 fours, 1 six).

• Best Bowling Performances:

  • Uganda: Dinesh Nakrani (2 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs) and Frank Nsubuga (2 wickets for 31 runs in 3 overs).
  • UAE: Akif Raja (2 wickets for 31 runs in 4 overs) and Haider Ali (2 wickets for 37 runs in 4 overs).

• Memorable Partnerships:

  • Alpesh Ramjani and Raghav Dhawan played key roles in Uganda's innings, anchoring the middle order and accelerating the scoring.

• Fielding Highlights:

  • Rahul Chopra and Cosmas Kyewuta were involved in critical runouts for their respective teams.
  • Saghir Khan and Alishan Sharafu took spectacular catches.

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Detailed Match Narrative

Uganda's Innings

Uganda opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted a competitive total of 170/7 in their 20 overs. While the start was shaky, with Shrideep Mangela (10) and Robinson Obuya (5) departing early, Ronald Lutaaya provided a quick cameo of 16 runs off 10 balls, striking three boundaries.

The real momentum came from Raghav Dhawan (56 off 41) and Alpesh Ramjani, who smashed an impressive 61 runs off 34 balls at a strike rate of 179.41. Ramjani's innings included 8 boundaries and a towering six. Their partnership ensured Uganda set a challenging target for UAE.

Key dismissals were executed by Akif Raja and Haider Ali, both of whom picked up two important wickets. Saghir Khan and Alishan Sharafu were exceptional in the field, taking sharp catches to dismiss Dinesh Nakrani and Raghav Dhawan, respectively.

UAE's Chase

Chasing 171, UAE got off to a decent start with their opener contributing a solid 30 runs off 28 balls. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Cosmas Kyewuta and Frank Nsubuga delivering crucial blows. The middle order saw contributions from Muhammad Waseem (25 off 12) and Ethan DSouza, who played a quickfire knock of 32 runs off 17 balls.

Despite the lower order's effort, including an unbeaten cameo from Saghir Khan (28 off 16), UAE fell short of the target by 8 runs. Uganda's bowlers, particularly Dinesh Nakrani (2/24) and Frank Nsubuga (2/31), bowled with precision during the death overs, sealing the victory.

Key Events

1. Wickets Fall:

   • Early wickets for Uganda saw Mangela, Obuya, and Lutaaya dismissed within the powerplay.
   • UAE lost Sharafu early, followed by consistent breakthroughs from Uganda's bowlers.

2. Half-Centuries:

   • Raghav Dhawan (56 off 41) and Alpesh Ramjani (61 off 34) played crucial innings for Uganda.
   • No UAE player crossed the 50-run mark.

3. Bowling Brilliance:

   • Dinesh Nakrani and Frank Nsubuga took two wickets each, defending Uganda's total effectively.
   • UAE's Akif Raja and Haider Ali also picked up two wickets, but couldn't restrict Uganda from setting a challenging target.

4. Fielding Moments:

   • Rahul Chopra and Juma Miyagi executed crucial runouts during their respective innings.
   • Spectacular catches by Saghir Khan and Cosmas Kyewuta stood out.

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Summary Table

| Category | Uganda | **United Arab Emirates