With 13 runs needed off the final over for Qatar to win, Riaz Shah held his nerve and gave away only 7 as Uganda recovered from the T20 loss suffered on day one.
With Lloyd Paternnot ruled out of the tour, coach Steve Tikolo threw in left hand opening batsman Simon Ssesazi for his debut and he took his chance with both hands earning himself the MoM medal for his fluent 62.
Simon scored a team high 62 supported by vice captain Brian Masaba (40) and Hamu Kayondo (30) as Uganda posted a modest 191.
However, the coach will have to worry about this rear guard as Uganda lost 6 wickets for less than 40 runs after having a solid base from which to launch an onslaught later on.
Qatar in the chase lost 3 quick wickets but a 103-run fourth wicket partnership between Tamoor Sajjad (52) and Inam Ul-Haq (44) stabilized the hosts’ innings.
They looked to be coasting to victory until Roger Mukasa introduced Deus Muhumuza in the attack. Muhumuza picked up the 2 important wickets of the set batsmen and the wheels came off the Qatar chase from that moment.
The hosts kept losing wickets making it hard for new batsmen to put away the pace of Bilal Hassan and the accuracy of Riaz Khan who bowled at the death for Uganda.
In the end, Riazat Ali Shah held his nerve for Uganda earning the team a 5 run win and light the spirits of the side.
The loss of Paternnot affected the side but the ability to bounce back immediately is a true sign of character.
There will be no time to rest as they return this evening playing the Qatar side in a Day/Night T2o game.
correction: *Riazat Ali Shah not Riaz Shah