Defending champions Olila Cricket Club and Soroti City Cricket Club made emphatic starts to the 2026 Cricket Uganda Women’s National League Division One campaign after both sides completed double victories on the opening day of the competition.
Olila proved too strong for Jinja SSS in both fixtures at Jinja SS Oval, while Soroti City swept aside Wanderers CC in morning and afternoon encounters at Florida Cricket Ground.
The day belonged to Olila’s prolific partnership of Esther Iloku and captain Malisa Ariokot, who produced back-to-back half-century stands to power the reigning champions to two commanding victories.
In the morning fixture, Olila recovered from the loss of two early wickets through a dominant stand between Iloku and Ariokot. Iloku struck 60 off 51 balls, including nine boundaries, while Ariokot remained unbeaten on 53 from 38 deliveries as Olila posted 133 for three from 18 overs.
Jinja SSS never recovered in the chase as Olila’s disciplined bowling attack applied pressure throughout the innings. The hosts were restricted to 40 for nine in 17.3 overs, handing Olila a comprehensive 93-run victory. Iloku’s match-winning half-century earned her the Player of the Match award.
The afternoon meeting followed a similar script. After choosing to bat first again, Olila rebuilt through the same dependable pair after another shaky start. Iloku made 50 from 41 balls while Ariokot finished unbeaten on 53 from 47 deliveries to guide the champions to 124 for five.
Jinja SSS struggled to keep pace with the target despite contributions from Asha Mukite and Rashidah Tikabula. Lorna Anyait delivered an outstanding spell of three wickets for five runs, while Immaculate Nandera claimed two wickets as Jinja closed on 71 for eight. The 53-run victory completed a perfect day for Olila, with Ariokot named Player of the Match.
At Florida Cricket Ground, Soroti City also secured a double over Wanderers CC.
The morning contest was reduced to 12 overs per side because of rain. Soroti were bowled out for 69, with Jimia Muhammed top-scoring with 22 and Arugo Joyce Mary adding 16.
Wanderers were inspired by Sonia Nampeera, who produced a remarkable bowling performance of six wickets for 13 runs, including a hat-trick. However, Soroti’s bowlers responded strongly, reducing Wanderers to 13 for five before restricting them to 47 for five. Nampeera’s unbeaten 16 could not prevent a 22-run defeat, though her all-round display earned her Player of the Match honours.
Soroti completed the sweep in the afternoon fixture after posting 133 for eight from their 20 overs. Captain Janet Mbabazi led from the front with 58 from 41 deliveries, while Patricia Timong contributed 35 to give their side a competitive total.
Wanderers again struggled to establish partnerships during the chase. Irene Alumo and Mutonyi Irene offered brief resistance, but Soroti’s bowlers maintained control throughout. Mary Namiiro, Mitchelle Aryago and Naume Jane Amongin delivered key breakthroughs as Wanderers finished on 68 for nine, sealing a comfortable 65-run victory for Soroti. Mbabazi was named Player of the Match for her decisive half-century.
The opening day results sent an early message from both Olila and Soroti City, whose combination of strong batting displays and disciplined bowling performances placed them firmly among the teams to watch as the Division One season gets underway.
