The ongoing National Twenty20 League has brought out much from Tornado B all-rounder Roger Mukasa including the unthinkable especially with the bat.
The 24-year-old put up a respectable match winning performance as his side defeated Charity Trust Fund by 44 runs to earn a semifinal slot at the university oval in Kyambogo on Sunday morning.
Prior to the tie, Charity skipper Jonathan Ssebanja (2/18) had vowed to bat if he won the toss. But his mind thought different as the rays striked through the seemingly tall trees at the edge of the oval.
That forced Mukasa to pick the bat and open the innings in green and orange attire. He fell nine runs short of a half-ton as he was bowled by Henry Muyanja (3/35).
He returned with 41 off 36 which kept him top of the batsmen’s list with a total 427 runs. Brothers Charles Waiswa (29) and Fred Isabirye (23) piled the runs and Tornado set 127-6.
Charity failed to match the standards as mediorce batting cost them. Siblings Simon Ssesaazi (26) and Ronald Ssemanda’s (22) contribution was not enough as they were all out for a paltry 83 runs after Moses Otiti (2/8) and Waiswa’s (2/12) brilliant bowling.
Mukasa took three catches and picked 1/6 to ensure Tornado B’s title hopes remained intact.
Earlier in the morning at Lugogo, opener Hamu Kayondo got 38 off 50 while Davis Karashani (23 off 26) struck a smart shot through mid-wicket for four as Wanderers got 81-2 in 17 overs to defeat Rounders by eight wickets.
Wanderers will play Challengers in the second semifinal, a side that surprised Nile with a five-wicket defeat.
NATIONAL T20 LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL RESULTS
Rounders 78/10 Wanderers 81/2
Tornado 146/6 Kutchi Tigers 64/8
Tornado B 127/6 Charity TF 83/10
Nile 107/6 Challengers 108/5
SEMIFINALS – April 14
Tornado B vs. Tornado – Kyambogo (9.30am)
Wanderers vs. Challengers – Lugogo (9.30am)
FINAL – Lugogo (3pm)