Uganda vs Malawi Prediction: Who Will Win UGA vs MAL 5th Place PlayOff T20 Match on 2nd October 2025?
The 5th Place PlayOff clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025 will see Uganda take on Malawi in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are eager to finish the tournament on a high. This detailed Uganda vs Malawi prediction covers team previews, fantasy tips, stats, and match insights. The match is scheduled for Thursday, 2nd October 2025 at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare.
Match Details
| Match | UGA vs MAL, 5th Place PlayOff T20, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 |
| Time | 5:20 PM IST |
| Venue | Takashinga Sports Club, Harare |
| Broadcast | Fancode |
Team Previews
Uganda Preview
Uganda has been one of the most consistent African cricketing nations and have performed well in the regional competitions. They finished 3rd in Group A and head into this playoff with good momentum. Their batting has been led by Raghav Dhawan, who has scored 122 runs in the tournament so far. In their last game, he guided Uganda to an 8-wicket win against Botswana with a composed 54*.
The bowling attack has also been solid. Riazat Ali Shah has been excellent with the new ball and picked up 2 wickets for just 7 runs in the last match. Alongside him, Dinesh Nakrani has been reliable, leading the wickets chart for Uganda with 3 dismissals.
Uganda’s strength lies in their balance. They have strong openers, a dependable middle order, and effective all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball. With their experience and aggressive style, Uganda will look to dominate Malawi, especially on a ground where batting-friendly conditions can suit their approach.
Key Players: Raghav Dhawan, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani
Malawi Preview
Malawi has struggled in this tournament, finishing at the bottom of Group B. Their batting has been a major concern, with frequent collapses. Their last game against Namibia was a clear example, where they were bowled out for just 71. Only Gift Kansonkho showed some resistance with a fighting 31, but others failed miserably.
The shining light for Malawi has been Sami Muhammad Sohail, who is both their top run-scorer (57 runs) and leading wicket-taker (4 wickets). He has been carrying the side single-handedly, but needs more support from senior players like Moazzam Baig and Bright Balala.
Bowling has looked ineffective under pressure, especially when defending low totals. Against Uganda’s strong batting lineup, Malawi’s bowlers will need early breakthroughs to have any chance. Their main challenge remains consistency and handling the pressure in crunch moments.
Key Players: Sami Sohail, Gift Kansonkho, Moazzam Baig, Daniel Jakiel
Uganda Squad
Riazat Ali Shah, Joseph Baguma, Robinson Obuya, Dineshkumar Nakrani, Cyrus Kakuru, Alpesh Ramjani, Miyaji Juma, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Cosmas Kyewuta, Sumeet Verma, Gaurav Tomer, Shrideep Mangela, Raghav Dhawan, Innocent Mwebaze
Malawi Squad
Moazzam Baig (Captain), Sami Sohail, Bright Balala, Mike Chaomba, Suhail Vayani, Chisomo Chete, Muhammad Somani, Donnex Kansonkho, Gift Kansonkho, Daniel Jakiel, Chisomo Tchale, Trust Makaya, Aaftab Limdawala, Salimu Nihute, Nadim Makkan, Kelvin Thuchila
Probable Playing XI
Uganda: Raghav Dhawan, Robinson Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Joseph Baguma, Henry Ssenyondo, Cosmas Kyewuta, Sumeet Verma, Innocent Mwebaze
Malawi: Moazzam Baig, Sami Sohail, Bright Balala, Gift Kansonkho, Donnex Kansonkho, Muhammad Somani, Daniel Jakiel, Suhail Vayani, Mike Chaomba, Chisomo Chete, Trust Makaya
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Raghav Dhawan | Batter (Captain) |
| Sami Sohail | All-Rounder (Vice-Captain) |
| Riazat Ali Shah | All-Rounder |
| Dinesh Nakrani | All-Rounder |
| Alpesh Ramjani | Batter |
| Gift Kansonkho | Batter |
| Moazzam Baig | Batter |
| Joseph Baguma | Bowler |
| Frank Nsubuga | Bowler |
| Daniel Jakiel | Bowler |
| Henry Ssenyondo | Bowler |
Explanation:
- Captain Options: Raghav Dhawan (consistent run-scorer), Sami Sohail (all-round contributions).
- Vice-Captain Options: Sami Sohail, Riazat Ali Shah.
- Players to Avoid: Bright Balala (poor form), Mike Chaomba (inconsistent with bat/ball).
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Uganda clearly enters this match as the stronger side. Their batting lineup is deeper, with players like Raghav Dhawan and Alpesh Ramjani capable of anchoring innings or accelerating when required. Their all-round department led by Riazat Ali Shah and Dinesh Nakrani provides flexibility, making them dangerous in both batting and bowling. Uganda also has vast experience in high-pressure regional matches, having previously beaten stronger sides consistently. Malawi, on the other hand, has been plagued by batting collapses and heavy defeats. Their reliance on Sami Sohail and Gift Kansonkho has exposed them, as once these players fail, the rest of the team struggles. Uganda’s superior head-to-head record and stronger balance make them overwhelming favorites in this playoff.
Uganda T20 History
Uganda has been one of the most successful Associate teams in Africa. They have played 116 T20Is, winning 88 and losing just 25, with 3 no results. Their win percentage is among the highest in African Associate cricket, and they have consistently challenged bigger teams in qualifiers.
Malawi T20 History
Malawi has played 64 T20 internationals, winning 30 and losing 31 with 3 no results. They have been competitive in patches but lack consistency against stronger opponents. Their cricket is still developing, and exposure at the regional stage has been vital for their growth.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Uganda Won | Malawi Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Uganda has won all 2 encounters against Malawi in T20 internationals, highlighting their dominance in this fixture.
Pitch Report
Takashinga Sports Club offers batting-friendly conditions with some assistance to spinners in the middle overs. Teams batting first have a slight advantage, and a total above 160 is considered competitive.
Weather Report
The weather in Harare is expected to be clear with mild sunshine and temperatures around 24°C. No rain interruptions are forecast.
Toss Prediction
The toss-winning captain is likely to opt for batting first, as scoreboard pressure has played a big role at this venue.
Match Prediction
- If Uganda Bat First: 175+
- If Malawi Bat First: 124+
Winner Prediction: Uganda Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
