- Final: Itanda Kayakers 172/5 beat Bujjagali Rafters 171/6 by 5 wickets
The beauty of sports is that the script is never the same. Simon Sessazi failed to score a run in the morning game against the Karuma Rapids, but in the final game of the Men’s Elite League against the Bujjagali Rafters, he scored an unbeaten half-century to lead the Itanda Kayakers to the title.
In the morning, the Karuma Rapids tried to sneak into the afternoon final but in a short 15-over game, they were bundled out for a cheap total, which was easy pickings for the Itanda Kayakers, who picked up a seven-wicket win.
In the final, the Bujjagali Rafters won the toss and elected to bat first. The Rafters have been the most aggressive team in the tournament, and they continued on that trend with Robinson Obuya (33) and Captain Fahad Mutagana (17) strong in the power play but youngster Gerald Olipa (54) was the pick of the batters with Calvin Watuwa (19) and Joseph Baguma (17) getting some valuable knocks at the back end.
In the run chase, the Itanda Kayakers have had the habit of being very strong in the run chase, and despite losing two early wickets, Simon Ssesazi (75 not out) was not very bothered by the loss of wickets and got a willing partner in Anas Baig (41) to chop down the total and get their side home.
The Rafters put down Christopher Kidega when he had just come in, the ball landing between two fielders who never called out and his quick-fire 19 off 13 balls ensured the win inside 18 overs.
The men’s edition was full of big totals and big hits as the future stars, as well as Cricket Cranes players, prepare for a big year.
Olipa took home the MVP award, while Robinson Obuya was the best batter, and Joseph Baguma took the best bowler award.