The Cricket Cranes finished as runners-up in the 2026 ILT20 Continent Cup after Kenya defeated Uganda by 39 runs in the final at Gahanga International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Kenya posted 170 for 7 after winning the toss and electing to bat, before Uganda were dismissed for 131 in 17.5 overs.
The result ended Uganda’s defense of the title they won in Nairobi in 2023 and Kigali in 2024, but the tournament provided valuable international exposure for a Cricket Cranes side featuring several emerging players.
Vice-captain Kenneth Waiswa described the tournament in Rwanda as a valuable workout for the emerging group, who got significant playing time against some of the best teams on the continent.
During a post-match interview, Waiswa stressed that the atmosphere within the squad remained positive and that the experience of playing high-pressure matches against strong regional opposition would help the players learn to manage difficult situations better.
“The lessons from Kigali can become important building blocks ahead of our upcoming assignments, particularly the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier in Nigeria,” Waiswa noted.
Now back in the country, Uganda will take a short break before beginning preparations for their next major international assignment.
The Cricket Cranes are scheduled to play six matches against Kenya in Nairobi from October 5 to 13, comprising three 50-over matches and three T20s.
The bilateral series will provide another opportunity for the young players to build on their Kigali experience while helping Kenya prepare for the next leg of the ICC Challenge League A.
Uganda will then turn their attention to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Nigeria.
