It was going to be hard to deny Frank Nsubuga the man-of-match honour after his side Tornado had defeated Kutchi Tigers by 82 runs to advance to the semifinals of the National Twenty20 League.
The skipper’s exquisiteness on the willow firmly backed his decision to bat. Nsubuga smashed four fours and two flying sixes to score a half-ton of 52 runs off 35 balls as the defending champions set 146-6 after the overs.
His entry at number five in the 11th over for Benjamin Musoke (5 off 8) was quite piviotal as it settled their innings.
Opener Arthur Kyobe (19 off 24, two fours) was caught by Ganshyan Halai at mid-on off Kanti Vekaria (3/12) at 8.3.
Vekaria had already eliminated Abubaker Seguya (8 off 7) and his tricky delivery returned Deus Muhumuza (18 off 25) to the changing room after an (leg before wicket) lbw dismissal.
Nsubuga, bowled on the last ball by Lalji Gondalia (1/16) partnered with Richard Okia (23 off 17 not out) for the last seven overs to pile the score, that seemed ponderous for the opponents to get.
Nsubuga’s spells (2/14) paralysed Tigers’ chase as early as the first over. He picked a wicket on his third delivery to Jitesh Gorasia who returned nought.
Raymond Otim (2/14) later took a catch off Nsubuga that put Ramesh Gami (24 off 57, two fours) off the fulcrum to the sideline. Deusdedit Muhumuza (2/10) and Mark Taremwa (2/14) also did the damage as Tigers finished at 64-8.
“Its always tough but we take one game at a time,” Nsubuga told Kawowo Sports after the game.
They progress to the last four and will take on Tornado B at the university oval in Kyambogo on Sunday morning.
“The trophy is still in sight and we shall keep doing the basics,” a 6ft Okia echoed Nsubuga’s words.
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)