Uganda vs United Arab Emirates – T20I Match Preview (27 July 2025, 11:30 GMT)

Venue: Entebbe Cricket Oval, Entebbe
Series: Pearl of Africa T20I Series 2025
Match: Match 12 – Uganda vs United Arab Emirates
Date & Time: Sunday, 27 July 2025 – 11:30 AM (GMT)

Match Overview

The final match of the Pearl of Africa T20I Series 2025 promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the most improved teams in international cricket – Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This clash, set to take place at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, will not only be a battle for pride but also a chance for both teams to wrap up their campaign on a high note.

With both sides having already played each other twice in the series, the stage is set for a decisive showdown. Uganda currently holds the upper hand, having won three of their four matches, including a 28-run and a 38-run win over the UAE. The UAE, on the other hand, have also shown their mettle, with victories over Uganda in an early match and Kenya in Match 8. This series has seen both teams display moments of brilliance, and the final match is expected to be a closely contested affair.

Team Form & Analysis

Uganda:

• Recent Form: Uganda have been in excellent form in the tournament, winning three of their last four matches. Their ability to chase down targets and post competitive totals has been key to their success.
• Key Players:
  • Opener Jonathan Kyagulanyi has been a consistent run-scorer, providing stability at the top of the order.
  • Pacer Brian Masaba has been a revelation in the death overs, often delivering under pressure.
  • All-rounder Ismaili Nakkobbah has added valuable runs with the bat and has also been effective with the ball.

United Arab Emirates:

• Recent Form: The UAE have shown glimpses of their potential, with a 7-wicket win over Kenya and a narrow win over Uganda in Match 3. However, they have struggled in high-pressure chases and have at times lacked the firepower in the middle order.
• Key Players:
  • Opener Aayan Khan has been the most consistent performer, scoring crucial runs in tight situations.
  • Pacer Alishan Shariff has been impressive with the new ball and has the ability to break partnerships.
  • All-rounder Rohan Mustafa provides balance with his bowling and handy lower-order runs.

Venue Insights – Entebbe Cricket Oval

The Entebbe Cricket Oval has been a neutral and consistent venue throughout the series, with pitches that tend to assist both batters and bowlers. The early part of the pitch offers some assistance to fast bowlers, while the mid to late game sees the surface settling down, offering better grip for spinners.

Given the weather in Entebbe during this period, there's a low chance of rain interruption, which bodes well for a full 20-over match. This could favor the team batting second, provided they can chase down a competitive total effectively.

Head-to-Head

• Match 3 (18 July 2025): UAE won by 40 runs
• Match 6 (21 July 2025): Uganda won by 28 runs
• Match 7 (22 July 2025): Uganda won by 38 runs

Uganda has dominated the recent encounters, but the UAE will be eager to prove a point in the final match.

Prediction

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Uganda, buoyed by their recent form and a strong bowling attack, are slight favorites. However, the UAE have the experience and resilience to challenge the hosts. The toss could play a pivotal role, with the team winning the toss likely to choose to bat first and set a challenging total.

Prediction: Uganda to win by a narrow margin.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Jonathan Kyagulanyi vs Alishan Shariff – A battle between Uganda’s top-order anchor and UAE’s opening pacer.
• Brian Masaba vs Aayan Khan – Masaba’s accuracy against the UAE’s opener could be decisive.
• Ismaili Nakkobbah vs Rohan Mustafa – A clash of all-rounders, with both capable of turning the game in the latter stages.

Final Thoughts

As the Pearl of Africa T20I Series 2025 reaches its conclusion, the Uganda vs UAE clash promises to be a fitting finale. With both teams having showcased their potential throughout the tournament, the final match is expected to be a high-stakes, high-quality T20I that will entertain cricket fans across the globe.

Don’t miss the action on Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 11:30 AM (GMT)!
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