The Great Lakes Men’s T20 Tournament burst into life at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Friday, with Bunyonyi Warriors and Kyoga Avengers emerging as the opening day’s winners in two contrasting contests.
Bunyonyi Warriors eased to a five-wicket victory over Victoria Strikers in the morning before Kyoga Avengers edged Mburo Blasters in a dramatic Super Over finish later in the day.
The Warriors’ victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance led by Gurjivan Singh. After Victoria Strikers elected to bat, they struggled to build partnerships and finished on 116 for nine in 20 overs.
- Victoria Strikers: 116/9 in 20 overs
- Bunyonyi Warriors: 118/5 in 16.3 overs
Bunyonyi Warriors won by 5 wickets
Perry Wazombe made 20, while Kenneth Waiswa provided late fireworks with a quick 24 off nine balls. Christopher Kidega and Jaffer Ochaya added 17 and 18 respectively, but the Strikers never truly gained control of the innings.
Singh starred with the ball, claiming four wickets to keep the pressure firmly on the batting side.
In reply, Bunyonyi recovered from the early loss of Obuya Robinson to take charge of the chase.
Anas Baig anchored the innings with a well-played 53 off 36 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes. Fred Achelam added 22 before Cosmas Kyewuta finished the job in style with an unbeaten 29 off just 10 deliveries.
The Warriors reached 118 for five with 21 balls to spare, handing Victoria Strikers a disappointing start to the tournament. Singh’s four-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match award.
The afternoon fixture produced the tournament’s first thriller, Mburo Blasters posted 176 all out in 19.4 overs after a strong batting display led by Fahad Mutagana’s 42 off 19 balls. Charles Musemeza scored 25, while Riazat Ali Shah added 31 to keep the scoreboard moving.
- Mburo Blasters: 176/10 in 19.4 overs
- Kyoga Avengers: 176/10 in 20 overs
Match tied (Kyoga Avengers won Super Over)
Gerald Olipa was the pick of the Kyoga bowlers with three wickets.
Kyoga Avengers responded positively through Ronald Lutaaya and Cyrus Kakuru before Robert Owili changed the game with a blistering 45 off 20 balls.
Junaid Khan contributed 25 and Ismail Munir remained unbeaten on 23 as the chase went down to the final moments.
Mburo fought back through Hamid Munigwa and Sowobi Yunus, helping bowl out Kyoga for 176 and forcing a Super Over.
With little separating the two sides throughout the contest, the tie-breaker was a fitting conclusion. Kyoga held their nerve in the Super Over to claim victory and cap a memorable opening day.
Owili’s explosive knock earned him the Player of the Match award.
Action continues on Saturday with Kyoga Avengers taking on Victoria Strikers in the morning, while Bunyonyi Warriors face Mburo Blasters in the afternoon.
