India vs England — Fourth Test, Day 5 at Old Trafford
The Stage at Breakfast
As of July 27, 2025, on the final day at Manchester’s iconic Old Trafford, England stood on the brink of sealing the Test series with a commanding position. Having posted historic 669, England dismissed India for 358, setting a huge lead.13 England needed just six more wickets to clinch the series, while India had to bat out the final sessions to secure a precious draw that would tie the contest or delay the outcome until the fifth Test The Times of India+15Cricbuzz+15Firstpost+15Talksport.
Noteworthy Partnership & Milestone Moment
India’s hopes rested on a splendid third-wicket stand: Shubman Gill, the young Indian captain, compiled 103 — his fourth Test century of the series, equalling legends Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar in that rare achievement Talksport+1The Times of India+1. His partner KL Rahul chased a resolute 90 before falling to Ben Stokes, who emerged from injury to bowl a decisive spell Talksport+1The Times+1.
Lunch Break Scoreline
By the lunch interval, India was 223/4, still trailing by 88 runs with 54 overs remaining. The loss of Gill just before lunch shifted momentum further towards England. Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja resumed the innings with the task of survival firmly in hand Cricbuzz+12The Guardian+12The Times of India+12.
Afternoon Session Drama
Post-lunch, England resumed the hunt in overcast conditions that favoured seamers. Jofra Archer applied relentless pressure, dismissing Gill and forging consistent attacks alongside Chris Woakes and Liam Dawson, who troubled India with bounce and seam movement The Times. Despite dropping Jadeja early, England exploited marginal conditions and edged closer to victory The TimesReuters.
What’s at Stake
If England snare the remaining wickets, they’ll level the series at 2–2, exerting psychological dominance. Conversely, India’s goal is a disciplined fight, resisting England’s bowlers to fetch a draw and keep the series alive. With rain forecast later this afternoon, the weather might yet tilt the scales towards India The Guardian.
Uganda vs UAE — Match 18, Pearl of Africa T20I Series (Entebbe Cricket Oval)
Toss & Game Plan
On July 27, 2025, match 18 of the Pearl of Africa T20 series kicked off at Entebbe, where Uganda won the toss and elected to bat first intending to post a competitive total Firstpost+8The Indian Express+8Cricket Addictor+8.
Uganda Innings (1st Innings)
- Uganda posted 170/7 in 20 overs, anchored by Alpesh Ramjani’s 61, steering them to a defendable total India Today.
UAE’s Chase (2nd Innings so far)
- At the latest update, United Arab Emirates stood at 39/1 from 4.4 overs, needing 132 more runs off 92 balls at a required run rate of around 8.60 RPO Firstpost.
- Openers Muhammad Zohaib (11 from 14) and Alishan Sharafu (2*) are at the crease.
- Uganda’s top bowler Alpesh Ramjani claimed an early wicket with only 2 runs conceded in 0.4 overs, while Cosmas Kyewuta bowled a tidy over too Cricbuzz.
Key Turning Points
- In the target-setting innings, Ramjani’s innings plus early bowling double has made him the standout contributor across both phases The Indian ExpressCricket World.
- UAE’s chase started briskly: by 3.5 overs they had reached 29/0, but by 4.2 overs stood at 37/1 with Muhammad Waseem (25 off 12) departing to Ramjani himself Cricket World.
Match Outlook
With over 15 overs left and UAE requiring over 130, it’s a tight chase—but not impossible. A strong middle order and aggressive power-hitting will define the closing passages. Uganda aims to keep the pressure through tight lines and defensive fielding, while UAE depend on pacing the chase smartly.
What to Watch & What Matters
| Fixture | Crucial Players & Moments | Series Implications |
|---|---|---|
| IND vs ENG | Gill’s fourth century; Stokes’ impact; Archer’s seam attack; rain interruption | England can level series; India must bat out for draw |
| UGA vs UAE T20 | Ramjani’s all-rounder heroics; UAE’s chase pacing & partnerships | Uganda pushing for semifinal qualification; UAE need win |
The Human Narrative
For India vs England, Gill’s captaincy and remarkable consistency have captured imaginations. Comparisons to Ponting’s 2005 Ashes resilience emerged, with former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik hailing Gill’s leadership on foreign soil NDTV Sports.
In Uganda vs UAE, the underdog story continues: Uganda, ranked lower globally, showed grit and team spirit—with Ramjani symbolising the effort. UAE’s chase now tests their temperament under pressure in unfamiliar African conditions.
Final Sessions & Prognosis
- India vs England: As the afternoon advances, England will aim to wrap up the series before weather dampens play. India’s Jadeja and Sundar must bat deep. Any resistance could tilt tense momentum.
- Uganda vs UAE: UAE’s middle overs will be decisive. Can they chase over 130 in more than 15 overs? If Uganda keeps bowling tightly, their chances grow significantly.
Bottom Line
- India vs England (Fourth Test, Day 5): A gripping Test poised on a knife-edge—England hunts six wickets; India fights for honour and a draw under anxious skies.
- Uganda vs UAE (Pearl of Africa T20, Match 18): A spirited chase unfolds—UAE at 39/1, needing another 132 runs in 15.2 overs, while Uganda backs their all-round hero Ramjani.
Stay tuned for final sessions—whether Test cricket’s endurance drama or the high-speed excitement of T20, today’s matches offer enthralling narratives and pivotal turning points for fans across the spectrum.