Kutchi Tigers have made a strong, no-nonsense start to their title defence, brushing aside newcomers GM Sugar to stay unbeaten in the Cricket Uganda Men’s 50 Over League.
A rain shower reduced the Lugogo contest to 33 overs, but it did little to slow the champions. After choosing to bowl, Kutchi Tigers kept things tight and bowled GM Sugar out for just 117 in 29.1 overs.
Vekariya Kush Mahesh led the charge with an excellent 4/23, while the rest of the attack chipped in to keep the pressure on. Kevinkumar Patel (33) and Siraje Nsubuga (24) offered some resistance, but the total always looked below par.
The chase was steady rather than flashy. Despite a few early wickets, Kutchi Tigers stayed in control. New signing Steven Wabwose stood firm with an unbeaten 36, calmly guiding his side home alongside Mayur Hirani (26*) as they reached the target with ease.
The win makes it two out of two for the defending champions, an early sign that they are serious about holding on to their crown.
In the Silver Division, Ismaili Community continued their perfect run with a dominant nine-wicket win over Kutchi Tigers B, showing they are strong contenders for promotion.
The Bronze Division offered mixed fortunes for Centurion. The senior side held their nerve to beat Tornado, thanks to Jackson Asiku’s three wickets and a composed chase led by Conrad Lubwama and Ali Balidawa. But Centurion A suffered a heavy defeat to Kifaru, inspired by Devansh Patel’s brilliant 153.
Elsewhere, Chennai marked their debut with an impressive win over Africa CC, powered by Mohammed A K L Hakkem’s unbeaten 89.
