By 
Match result
Uganda: 126/9 in 20 overs (R Dhawan 44, S Mangela 39, A Ramjani 21*; M Rohid 3/23, Z Zubair 2/15)
UAE: 120/8 in 20 overs (M Waseem 33, M Zohaib 24, J Miyaji 3/28, D Nakrani 2/22, A Ramjani 1/17)
Result: Uganda won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Alpesh Ramjani – 21* (12), 1/17 in 4 overs
Next Match: Uganda vs. Kenya (Migingo Derby) – Monday July 21, 1:30 PM, Entebbe
In his debut series as captain, Juma Miyaji is crafting a fairytale campaign in the ongoing Pearl of Africa (POA) T20 Series at the scenic Entebbe Oval.
With back-to-back wins in two days, the 22-year-old has led Uganda to a flying start — silencing doubters and injecting new belief into the Cricket Cranes’ World Cup ambitions.
Despite pre-tournament concerns over the absence of senior players like Kenneth Waiswa, Henry Ssenyondo, and Riazat Ali Shah, Miyaji has risen to the occasion.
Many fans feared the worst with a youthful squad and inexperienced leadership, but those fears were quickly laid to rest.
Uganda opened their campaign with a commanding 77-run (DLS) win over Nigeria.
But it was Saturday’s thrilling 6-run victory over 13th-ranked UAE that truly turned heads.
Facing a side ranked nine spots higher in the ICC T20I standings, Uganda showed immense composure under pressure.
After Miyaji won the toss and chose to bat, Uganda overcame an early setback — losing Ronald Lutaaya for a golden duck — to post 126/9.
Raghav Dhawan (44) and Shrideep Mangela (39) anchored the innings, while Alpesh Ramjani’s late cameo (21* off 12) lifted the total to a defendable score.
UAE looked in control during their chase, reaching 44 without loss in the powerplay.
But a game-changing bowling change saw Dinesh Nakrani remove UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem, before Miyaji brilliantly ran out opener Muhammad Zohaib.
The momentum swung Uganda’s way, and the hosts never looked back.
Miyaji led from the front, taking 3/28 — including two wickets in the 18th over and a crucial scalp on the first ball of the final over — sealing a memorable win.
Nakrani chipped in with 2/22, while Ramjani (1/17) and veteran Frank Nsubuga (0/22) kept things tight. UAE finished at 120/8, falling just short despite late resistance.
Coaches Abhay Sharma and Jackson Ogwang hailed the team’s discipline and fighting spirit, but stressed the need for continued focus ahead of Monday’s much-anticipated Migingo Derby against Kenya.
With two wins from two, Uganda remains unbeaten alongside Namibia A, and their World Cup qualification dream is well on track.
