Robinson Obuya trusted his instincts, attacked from the start and finally got the reward he had been chasing: a maiden T20 International century.
The Player of the Match smashed an unbeaten 118 off 70 balls to power Uganda’s Cricket Cranes past hosts Rwanda by 72 runs in Kigali and into the ILT20 Cup final.
Obuya’s innings was brutal and clean, featuring eight sixes and eight boundaries as Uganda posted 188/2 in their 20 overs.
But the right-hander said the big score was not the result of a new approach. “Well, the mentality was the same, following the same processes that have been getting me runs.”
The pitch also gave him confidence to attack. “Backing myself, because from ball one, the wicket was not doing anything. The ball was coming nicely, so I just kept on going. And I’m glad that I managed to get my maiden century.”
Obuya found good support from Gerald Olipa, who remained unbeaten on 35 as Uganda lost only two wickets.
If Obuya provided the flair, Uganda’s bowlers supplied the finishing blow. Rwanda were left reeling at 25/5 after Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta struck early, leaving the hosts with too much ground to cover.
Isae Niyomugabo fought back with an unbeaten 52 but had little support as Uganda closed out another emphatic victory. Kyewuta claimed 3/32, Joseph Baguma 3/22 and Miyagi 2/8.
Captain Riazat Ali Shah singled out Obuya’s aggression and the discipline of the bowling unit.
“I think the top order batted; Robo [Robinson Obuya] batted, he was aggressive, and he was playing very competitively. And the rest of the guys gave him a good partnership. We lost only two wickets playing over 20 hours.”
Riazat was particularly pleased with Uganda’s powerplay bowling.
“That’s good to see from the boys. And if I talk about the bowling, the way we bowled in the powerplay, we were so disciplined; we were hitting the lines and the lengths. That’s good to see before the final.”
Uganda, the defending champions, now turn their attention to Kenya in tomorrow’s final round-robin game before Saturday’s final.
On Obuya’s end, though, the job in Kigali already carries a personal milestone. He came looking for runs, left with 118, a Player of the Match award and his first T20I century.
His secret? “Backing myself,” he says.