Victoria Strikers produced one of their most complete performances of the 2026 Great Lakes Men’s T20 tournament on Wednesday, defeating Mburo Blasters by 68 runs thanks to a devastating bowling display from Musinguzi Mathew and valuable contributions from Simon Ssesazi and Robert Ajuna.
The Strikers recovered from a mid-innings wobble to post a formidable 180 for six before bowling out the Blasters for 112 in just 15.2 overs.
After Mburo captain Fahad Mutagana elected to bowl first, the decision initially appeared to be paying off despite a bright start from the Strikers. Openers Ssesazi and Perry Wazombe shared a quickfire 39-run stand, with Wazombe striking 23 from 17 deliveries.
Spinner Yashashvi Joshi then swung momentum towards the Blasters. He trapped Wazombe lbw before dismissing Kenneth Waiswa for a golden duck with the very next ball. Joshi later removed Christopher Kidega to finish with impressive figures of three for 18.
However, Ssesazi held the innings together with a superb 64 off 39 balls. His knock featured seven boundaries and three sixes and provided the platform for a late assault from Ajuna.
Ajuna blasted 43 from only 21 deliveries, clearing the ropes three times, while Oloka Pius added a useful 29 as the Strikers accelerated in the closing overs to reach 180 for six.
Any hopes of a successful chase were quickly extinguished by Musinguzi, who ripped through the Mburo batting order in a sensational spell. The bowler struck early to remove Mutagana, Steven Wabwose and Joshi, reducing the Blasters to 11 for three and putting them firmly on the back foot.
Charles Musemeza attempted to spark a recovery with 29 from 18 balls, while Brian Asaba battled for 33. But wickets continued to fall as Musinguzi maintained relentless pressure.
The only late resistance came from Innocent Mwebaze, who entertained spectators with a blistering 35 from just 13 deliveries that included four sixes. His counterattack briefly delayed the inevitable before Jonathan Kiiza claimed two for 17 to help wrap up the innings.
With Hamid Munigwa unable to bat because of injury, the Blasters were dismissed for 112, sealing a convincing victory for the Strikers.
Musinguzi finished with outstanding figures of five for 12 from four overs, capping a dominant all-round performance that keeps Victoria Strikers firmly in contention as the tournament enters its decisive stages.
