Fresh from a two-week break, it now gets to the crucial bend after only eight teams are left in the quest for this year’s Natinal T20 League title in four quarterfinals due Sunday.
Defending champions Tornado were the first to confirm the progress to the last eight. They are the only side yet to concede defeat having finished top of Group A with maximum points (40) after eight games.
“The trophy must return to our cabinet,” Tornado skipper Frank Nsubuga said. “We shall take on anyone who comes along the way and defend our title.” he told Kawowo Sports.
And they take on fourth-placed Group A side Kutchi Tigers (35) in one of the four quarterfinals at Lugogo, a side on their maiden season in competitive local club cricket.
Group B runners-up Tornado B’s (35) impressive batting order is up against Charity, who finished third in Group A. “It is a game we must win at all costs,” Tornado B senior player Nicholas Kebba said.
“Charity is the youngest and fittest side in the league but our blend of experienced players and batting will give us an advantage over them.” Kebba, who scored an unbeaten 100 against KICC – the season’s first century, added.
In another interesting tie, Group B runners-up Wanderers can move closer to ending an 11-year luckless period if they beat Rounders, who settled for third in A.
“We did well in the preliminaries,” said Wanderers’ captain Dennis Musali. “But this is a different chapter so we have to be more alert if we are to advance.”
NATIONAL T20 LEAGUE
April 7
Quarterfinals
At Lugogo
Match 1 – Rounders vs. Wanderers (9.30 am)
Match 2 – Tornado vs. Kutchi Tigers (3.00pm)
At Kyambogo
Match 3 – Charity TF vs. Tornado B (9.30 am)
Match 4 – Challengers vs. Nile (3.00pm)
Semifinals (April 14)
Winner 1 vs. Winner 4 – Lugogo (9.30am)