Kyoga Avengers strengthened their hold on top spot in the Great Lakes Men’s T20 tournament with a fourth consecutive victory, while Victoria Strikers secured their first win of the campaign during an eventful fourth day at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Monday.
The morning fixture saw Kyoga continue their impressive run with a five-wicket victory over Mburo Blasters, successfully chasing down 156 with 21 balls remaining.
After being asked to bat first, Mburo posted a competitive 155 for seven from their 20 overs. Charles Musemeza led the way with a fluent 54 off 38 deliveries, striking five fours and three sixes, while Suleman Sharif added 41 from 30 balls. Brian Asaba chipped in with 19 and Edwin Nuwagaba contributed 14 as Mburo built a challenging total.
Kyoga’s bowlers worked collectively to keep the scoring in check. Richard Agamire picked up two wickets, while Juma Miyaji, Dan Keith Amani and Gerald Olipa claimed crucial breakthroughs.
The chase began with an early setback when Ronald Lutaaya departed, but Kyoga quickly regained control through Player of the Match Gerald Olipa. The all-rounder blasted 48 off just 27 balls, including seven boundaries and a six, to put his side firmly on course.
Robert Owili maintained the momentum with 36 from 23 deliveries before Cyrus Kakuru provided stability with an unbeaten 28. Captain Juma Miyaji then produced a decisive late assault, smashing 31 off only 15 balls, including four fours and two sixes, as Kyoga reached 159 for five in 16.3 overs.
The victory kept Kyoga’s perfect record intact and moved them clear at the top of the standings on eight points.
In the afternoon match, Victoria Strikers finally opened their account in the tournament with a five-wicket win over Bunyonyi Warriors.
Bunyonyi elected to bat first but were dismissed for 116 in 17.1 overs despite useful contributions from Robinson Obuya and Simon Okecho, who both scored 29. Paul Mulongo added 16, but regular wickets prevented the Warriors from establishing any significant partnerships.
Victoria’s bowling attack was led by Christopher Kidega and Pius Oloka, who each claimed three wickets. Kidega returned impressive figures of three for 10, while Oloka was equally effective with three for nine from four overs.
Chasing 117, Victoria made a steady start through Simon Ssesazi and Eric Mukisa before captain Kenneth Waiswa anchored the innings with a composed 35 off 35 balls. Kidega added a brisk 15, while Oloka completed an excellent all-round performance with an unbeaten 23.
Amos Ahurra struck the winning boundary as Victoria reached 120 for five in 16 overs to secure their first victory of the competition. Oloka’s contributions with both bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award.
Following four days of action, Kyoga Avengers lead the standings with eight points, ahead of Mburo Blasters on four, while Victoria Strikers and Bunyonyi Warriors are level on two points each.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s fixtures, where Bunyonyi Warriors face Mburo Blasters in the morning before Victoria Strikers take on the unbeaten Kyoga Avengers in the afternoon.
