- Game 8: ILT20 Cup Kigali, Rwanda
- Result: Uganda 197/7 beat Kenya 150 all out by 47 runs
Uganda’s Cricket Cranes go into the final of the ILT20 Cup with momentum after defeating their rivals Kenya by 47 runs in the final game of the round-robin stage.
Cricket Cranes won the toss and elected to bat first, with Enock Kasaija coming in for Fahad Mutagana in the only change in the team. It was a smart change given that it would give the Cricket Cranes at least three seam options rather than just two after the loss in the first round.
Robinson Obuya (16) and Anas Baig (5) only managed 21 for the first wicket, but Charles Musemeza (20) and the in-form Gerald Olipa (95) were able to consolidate before the former was run out.
Olipa and Riazat Ali Shah (32) continued piling on the runs despite some great fielding and bowling from Kenya, and the score could have been lower if Rush Patel had held onto a skier from Olipa before he made a half-century.
Uganda managed to pile on 197/7 in their quota of 20 Overs, slightly more than the 189 in the first-round loss.
In the run chase, Uganda stuck to their plan of bowling pace, and it paid early dividends, though it came at a price with so many extras leaked.
Juma Miyaji (3/39) and Enock Kasaija (3/28) took the wickets. Joseph Baguma (2/16) and Matthew Musinguzi (2/29) offered a great support act, especially Matthew, who picked up the big wicket of Rakeep Patel with a great delivery.
A great performance from the Cricket Cranes ahead of the Saturday afternoon final. Both sides have tasted defeat, and in a one-shot, one-kill match, it’s anyone’s game.
Kenya knows that if they bring their A game to the inexperienced Ugandan side, they can be able to hurt them and claim a first ILT20 crown.
Uganda are the defending champions, and with both sides preparing for serious ICC engagements, a win in the final will be a great morale booster.
