On Saturday afternoon at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe, the Cricket Cranes pulled off one of their most hard-fought victories in recent memory, edging 13th-ranked United Arab Emirates by just six runs in a match that had everything: early setbacks, shifting momentum, and a captain rising to the occasion under crushing pressure.
That captain, Juma Miyaji, is still finding his feet in leadership but he’s already proving he can carry the weight. With Uganda defending 126, Miyaji didn’t just marshal his bowlers; he became the difference-maker, taking three crucial wickets and executing a game-turning run-out to seal a dramatic win that left home fans roaring.
Uganda’s innings had started on shaky ground after winning the toss. Ronald Lutaaya fell for a golden duck, and runs came in trickles. But the resilience from Raghav Dhawan (44 off 42) and Shrideep Mangela (39 off 38) kept hopes alive, before Alpesh Ramjani’s explosive 21* lifted the total to 126/9 just enough, as it turned out.
UAE’s chase was equally dramatic. Openers Muhammad Waseem and Muhammad Zohaib looked in full control early on, punishing anything loose. But Uganda struck back when Dinesh Nakrani broke the opening stand. What followed was a bowling masterclass Nakrani, Ramjani, and Miyaji all delivering under pressure.
The final overs were a test of nerve. UAE needed 30 runs off the last three overs a target well within reach. But Miyaji’s double strike in the 18th and a nerveless final over handed Uganda a famous win.
Uganda will be back in action on Monday against Kenya as they chase their third win in a row.
