Kyoga Avengers strengthened their hold on top spot in the Great Lakes Men’s T20 with a hard earned 21 run victory over Bunyonyi Warriors, while tournament leading run scorer Riazat Ali Shah continued his fine form as Mburo Blasters cruised to an eight wicket win over Victoria Strikers at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Saturday.
- Kyoga Avengers 163/7 in 20 overs
- Bunyonyi Warriors 142/6 in 20 overs
Kyoga Avengers won by 21 runs
The Avengers were pushed all the way in the day’s opening match after posting 163/7. Julius Okema laid the foundation with 37, while Robert Owili added 25. But it was Derrick Bakunzi who made the difference, blasting an unbeaten 45 off just 22 balls, including five fours and three sixes, to lift Kyoga to a challenging total.
Bunyonyi’s chase was led by Devansh Patel (30) and Fred Achelam (37), while Abu Seguya remained unbeaten on 43. However, Kyoga kept striking at crucial moments through Junaid Khan and Richard Agamire, who picked up two wickets each, to restrict their opponents to 142/6. Bakunzi’s match winning knock earned him the Player of the Match award as Kyoga moved to six points at the top of the standings.
The afternoon contest belonged to Mburo Blasters and their captain Riazat Ali Shah. Victoria Strikers were bowled out for 130 in 18 overs despite contributions from Pius Oloka (34), Amos Ahurra (25) and Bosco Akena (22 not out). Shehran Ali starred with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Riazat chipped in with an early breakthrough.
- Victoria Strikers 130/10 in 18 overs
- Mburo Blasters 135/2 in 12.1 overs
Mburo Blasters won by 8 wickets
Mburo made light work of the chase. Shehzad Khan smashed an unbeaten 54 off 32 balls and shared an unbroken partnership with Riazat, who struck another classy half-century, finishing unbeaten on 54 from just 30 deliveries. The pair guided Mburo to 135/2 in only 12.1 overs, sealing victory with ease.
Riazat’s all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award and further extended his lead as the tournament’s top run-scorer. While Mburo remain unbeaten and close behind, Kyoga Avengers continue to set the pace at the top of the table after three rounds of action.
