Kenyan International Alex Obando struck a match winning half century to guide his side Ceylon Lions to a big win over minors Jinja SSS in the quarterfinals of the Unimoni National T20 Cup.
Ceylon Lions already favorites against student packed Jinja SSS didn’t want to take any chances didn’t want to take any chances of missing out on the semifinals flew in Kenyan national team opener Alex Obanda.
Obanda didn’t disappoint his new teammates scoring the second T20 century of the season. He scored a team high of 102 off only 32 balls. His knock anchored the innings with Varinder Singh (61) adding a measured half century off only 24 balls.
Ceylon Lions finished on a new record of 267/8 in 20 overs breaking the record of 242 by KICC set earlier in the year. With over 10 runs needed every over, Jinja SSS never got a look as the afternoon drizzle cut short their chase at just 49/2 in 6.3 overs.
Once rain stopped play and with not enough time to continue, Ceylon Lions won the game by 40 runs with Alex Obanda walking away with the Man of Match award for his blistering century.
On the same ground in the afternoon, Tornado Bee needed to upset the favorites Aziz Damani and for the moment Roger Mukasa was on the crease they looked like they could do it. He gave the team a solid start scoring a quick 43 off 21 balls but once he was out the rest of the opposition didn’t offer much with only Collins Obuya (43) making any notable contribution.
In the chase Saudi Islam (52) and Mir Afzal (55) took care of business for Aziz Damani who cruised to the win with the loss of just 2 wickets.
The win for Damani means they will face Ceylon Lions in the semifinals. Ceylon Lions won the game between the two sides while in the groups but when the stakes are high, Lions will need to raise their standard.
The winner of that semifinal on Sunday morning will be waiting for the other winner in Lugogo between KICC and Challengers.