Uganda completed the tournament unbeaten, collecting a maximum 12 points from six games in the double round-robin series, leaving pre-tournament favourites UAE ruing a missed opportunity to snatch the title on Net Run Rate.

The decisive match saw Uganda post a formidable 170/7 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to a match-defining 99-run stand between the tournament’s top batter Raghav Dhawan (56 off 41) and MVP Alpesh Ramjani (61 off 34).

The pair rescued Uganda from a precarious 51/3 in the ninth over to set a competitive total, despite UAE bowlers Akif Raja (2/31) and Ali Haider (2/37) claiming key scalps.

Ramjani, who would go on to be named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, showcased his all-round class with a blazing knock and later chipped in with 1/33 from his four overs.

In reply, the UAE mounted a spirited chase, with five batters crossing the 20-run mark. However, no one stood long enough to anchor the innings, as Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack struck at crucial intervals.

Dinesh Nakrani (2/24), Frank Nsubuga (2/31), and Matthew Musinguzi (1/15) applied the brakes just when the visitors looked threatening, eventually restricting them to 162/9.

Uganda skipper Juma Miyaji, who won the toss and elected to bat, lauded the team’s execution and mental toughness.

“We knew we had to be clinical today. The energy from the home fans lifted us, and I’m proud of the character shown. This win means everything heading into the qualifiers,” said Miyaji.

Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang echoed the captain’s sentiments, commending the side’s growth and adaptability.

“We’ve grown a lot in this series. Today, we stuck to our plans, adapted quickly, and it’s a deserving win. The runs on board made us believe we could carry the day and beat a team ranked better than us,” Ogwang said.

The win not only hands Uganda a major morale boost ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers later this year but also earns them crucial T20I ranking points.

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Put in to bat for the third straight match, Uganda overcame a shaky start to post 157 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Early wickets threatened to derail the innings, with opener Ronald Lutaaya falling for a duck and Shrideep Mangela’s explosive 17 off 8 balls ending too soon.

But a resilient 84-run partnership between Raghav Dhawan (41 off 39) and Robinson Obuya (40 off 48) steadied the innings and laid the foundation for a late charge.

Skipper Juma Miyaji added a quickfire 19 off just 8 balls before all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani’s unbeaten 24 off 14 deliveries provided the finishing touches, lifting Uganda to a competitive total. Nakrani’s cameo featured a boundary and a towering six that thrilled the home crowd.

Kenya’s chase was rattled from the outset by Uganda’s veteran spinner Frank Nsubuga, who turned back the clock with a masterclass in control and accuracy.

The 44-year-old struck in the first over, dismissing Kenyan captain Dhiren Gondaria for 4, and followed it up with the scalps of Tanzeel Sheikh (0) and Pushkar Sharma to leave the visitors reeling at 12 for 3 inside the powerplay.

Rakep Patel offered resistance with a spirited 58 off 49 balls, while Sachin Gill chipped in with a brisk 30 off 21.

But the required rate continued to climb under the pressure of tight Ugandan bowling and sharp fielding.

Seamer Cosmas Kyewuta returned for a destructive second spell, cleaning up the middle and lower order to finish with 3 for 21 in his four overs.

He claimed the vital wickets of Patel, Gill, and Jasraj Kundi, sealing the win and earning Uganda their third consecutive victory in the series. Frank Nsubuga, whose 3 for 10 in just three overs set the tone, was named Player of the Match.

Alpesh Ramjani added a wicket to his name, while Nakrani and Miyaji maintained pressure with economical spells at the death.

Uganda’s head coach Jackson Ogwang hailed the team’s composure and execution. “The batsmen dug deep to rebuild and then Nsubuga and Kyewuta showed great control,” he said.

With the result, Uganda remain unbeaten in the tournament alongside Namibia A and will look to extend that run when they take on Nigeria on Tuesday, July 22 at 1:30 PM at Entebbe Oval.

The POA Series, part of Uganda’s build-up to the continental qualifiers, has so far highlighted their growing depth, tactical sharpness, and big-match temperament; qualities they hope will carry them to a second straight T20 World Cup appearance in 2026.

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The tournament, which will contribute to ICC team ranking points, will feature five nations: Namibia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kenya, Kuwait, and hosts Uganda.

Namibia and the UAE, both currently competing in the ICC CWC League 2 ODI circuit, join Uganda, Kenya, and Kuwait—sides from the ICC CWC Challenge League List-A Championship—for what promises to be a competitive outing.

The participating nations will use the tournament as preparation for their respective regional qualifiers for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, gaining valuable match experience in the process.

Uganda won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2021, which featured Kenya and Nigeria.

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