Nsonga Royals held their nerve in a tense finish to defeat Ssenyi Warriors by two wickets and win the inaugural Sabula T20 Cricket Challenge, sealing victory in a low-scoring final at Florida Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Chasing 95, the Royals reached 95 for 8 in 18.3 overs, with Abdul Shakur Doka playing a decisive role to earn Player of the Match honours.
His composed 29 off 26 balls steadied the innings at a critical stage before he fell with just four runs required. Mutwalib Mustapha then kept his composure to finish unbeaten on 9 alongside Christian Mulindwa as the Royals crossed the line.
Earlier, Ssenyi Warriors struggled to build momentum after electing to bat, eventually bowled out for 94 in 17.3 overs. Edgar Mudoola fell in the opening over, setting the tone for a difficult innings. Derrick Oketcho top-scored with 19 off 22 balls, while Julius Bwogi added late impetus with 16 off 11, including a boundary and a six.
Nsonga Royals’ bowlers controlled the game throughout, with Peter Ocen leading the attack with three wickets. Mahad Ssekito and Doka picked up two apiece as the Warriors were kept in check.
The chase, however, proved far from straightforward. The Royals lost wickets regularly and were reduced to 71 for 7, giving Ssenyi Warriors hope of a comeback. Contributions from Emmanuel Twijukye (13) and Emmanuel Okwalinga (14) kept the chase alive before Doka’s intervention turned the match.
The title caps a strong turnaround for Nsonga Royals, who finished third in the six-team round-robin stage with 10 points from 10 matches before stepping up in the knockouts. They had earlier beaten Kitamba Sunrisers in a rain-shortened semifinal, posting 59 in five overs before bowling their opponents out for 30.
Individual awards saw Robert Owili of Kitamba Sunrisers named Player of the Series and Best Batter, while Tom Adupu of Katosi Strikers took Best Bowler honours. Nathan Sserunjoji, also from Katosi Strikers, was named Best Fielder.
