UAE Dominate Kenya by 40 in Third Match of Entebbe Series
On July 18, 2025, at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) delivered a commanding performance against Kenya in their third match of the Pearl of Africa T20I Series, emerging victorious by a comfortable 40-run margin.
UAE Batting Blitz: 161/7 Sets a Tough Target
Winning the toss, UAE elected to bat—a decision that paid rich dividends:
- Rahul Chopra, the wicket-keeper, starred with 45 off 40 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes), pacing UAE’s innings to 161/7.
- Alishan Sharafu struck a fluent 42 off 34, while captain Muhammad Waseem hit a quickfire 32 off 18, helping UAE post a formidable total.
- Spinners Sachin Gill and Shem Ngoche kept Kenya in check, but UAE took control with smart batting.
Kenya Crumbles to 121/10
Chasing 162, Kenya never regained momentum:
- Dhiren Gondaria, Kenya’s captain, top-scored with 45 off 42 balls (5 fours).
- UAE bowlers, especially Haider Ali (2/15) and Muhammad Rohid Khan (2/25), operated with precision.
- Saghir Khan delivered the final blows with 2 crucial wickets, wrapping the innings in 20 overs for 121.
Tactical Insights
- Bat First Decision: UAE wisely batted first, maximizing their batting lineup on a good batting surface.
- Powerplay Control: UAE posted quick initial runs, while their bowlers seized control in Kenya’s powerplay.
- Bowling Depth: With five wicket-takers, UAE displayed bowling aggression and teamwork.
- Kenya’s Weak Middle Order: Aside from Gondaria, Kenya lacked depth and game-changing batsmen under pressure.
Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 161/7 (20 overs) | Set a strong 162-run target |
| Kenya | 121/10 (20 overs) | Fell short by 40 runs |
Top Performers
- UAE Batting – Rahul Chopra (45), Alishan Sharafu (42), Muhammad Waseem (32)
- UAE Bowling – Haider Ali (2), Muhammad Rohid Khan (2), Saghir Khan (2)
- Kenya – Dhiren Gondaria (45)
What This Win Means
- UAE bounce back: After a previous loss to Uganda, this win lifts UAE to 2–1 on the series table.
- Kenya stays mid-table: With a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and now this defeat, Kenya sits on 1–2.
- Series Context: Among five teams in a double round-robin format, every match impacts standings and morale.
What’s Next for Both Teams
- Kenya will gear up for their fourth match on July 23 vs UAE, aiming to regain footing and sharpen their middle order.
- UAE looks to sustain form and enrich their net run rate in upcoming matches against Kenya and Nigeria.
UAE’s seamless execution—an explosive batting effort complemented by tight bowling—dominated Kenya. While Kenya showed potential through Gondaria, their collapse highlights struggles under disciplined bowling. UAE’s win propels them forward in the series race, while Kenya must regroup and reinforce key positions to stay competitive.
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