The 2025 Pearl of Africa T20 Series, held from July 17 to 27 at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Uganda, has reached a thrilling midway point. The tournament features Uganda, UAE, Kenya, Namibia A, and Nigeria, all vying for supremacy in this regional showdown. With July 23 marking a pivotal moment in the competition, Uganda remains undefeated and dominant at the top of the table.
As of July 23, Uganda has won all four of their matches, earning 8 points and showcasing a strong all-round game. Their victories include solid performances against Nigeria, UAE, Kenya, and Namibia A. Led by players like Juma Miyaji, Robinson Obuya, and Dinesh Nakrani, the hosts have impressed with both bat and ball, combining consistency with home advantage.
UAE, the second-placed team, has also had a strong tournament. They’ve won three of their four matches, their only loss coming in a nail-biter against Uganda. With a healthy net run rate and disciplined bowling unit, UAE looks well-positioned to make the playoffs and perhaps challenge Uganda in the final stages.
Namibia A and Kenya have each won two matches, sitting in the middle of the table with four points apiece. Namibia A, a developmental squad, has shown grit and resilience, taking games deep and pulling off narrow wins. Kenya bounced back from early setbacks with a close DLS win over Namibia A and continue to push for a playoff spot. However, inconsistency remains their biggest challenge.
Nigeria, meanwhile, has struggled in the competition. With five straight losses, including heavy defeats to Uganda and UAE, their chances of progressing are slim. Still, for a team in the developmental phase, every match provides valuable experience on the international stage.
July 23 featured two tightly contested games. UAE beat Kenya convincingly in the morning fixture, while Uganda A edged Namibia A by just 3 runs in the afternoon. These results kept the competition tight, with only net run rate separating some of the mid-table teams. The margin for error is shrinking as the final round-robin games approach.
The remaining matches on July 25 and 26 will be critical. Kenya faces Uganda in a high-stakes clash, while UAE takes on a desperate Nigeria side. Namibia A still has a chance to edge into the playoffs, depending on other results and net run rate swings. Uganda, with their current form, seems destined for the final, but the battle for the second spot remains wide open.
Beyond the immediate stakes, the Pearl of Africa T20 Series serves as crucial preparation for upcoming ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers. Teams are not only battling for silverware but also fine-tuning combinations and assessing young talent under pressure.
With local support swelling and regional rivalries intensifying, the tournament has delivered competitive cricket, surprise results, and emerging stars. As the race to the final continues, Uganda stands tall—but the chase is far from over.