Mburo Blasters produced a batting display for the ages on Day Two of the Great Lakes Men’s T20 tournament, chasing down 222 runs in just 15.2 overs to defeat Bunyonyi Warriors by nine wickets at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
- Bunyonyi Warriors 221/5 (20 overs)
- Mburo Blasters 222/1 (15.2 overs)
Mburo Blasters won by 9 wickets
The remarkable victory was driven by captain Riazat Ali Shah, whose unbeaten century turned what looked like a daunting chase into a one-sided affair.
Earlier, Bunyonyi Warriors had piled up an imposing 221/5 after being asked to bat first. Obuya Robinson led the charge with a blistering 87 off 38 balls, striking six fours and eight sixes. Paul Mulongo added 49 from 30 deliveries, while Anas Baig chipped in with 20 off 11.
Late runs from Alijuna Fortunate (24 not out) and Kyewuta Cosmas (14 not out) helped push the Warriors beyond the 220 mark.
David Wabwire was the pick of the Mburo bowlers with figures of 3/29, while Riazat claimed two wickets.
In reply, Mburo lost Fahad Mutagana after his quick-fire 21 off nine balls, but that was as good as it got for Bunyonyi.
Charles Musemeza and Riazat Ali Shah took complete control of the chase, punishing anything loose and keeping the scoreboard moving at an extraordinary rate.
Musemeza finished unbeaten on 85 off 45 balls, hitting 11 fours and five sixes.
At the other end, Riazat stole the show with an unbeaten 100 off just 38 deliveries. The Mburo skipper smashed six fours and ten sixes in a breathtaking innings that left the Warriors without answers.
The pair shared an unbroken 184-run stand to guide Mburo to 222/1 and complete one of the highest successful run chases in the tournament’s history.
Riazat was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning century.
Earlier in the day, Kyoga Avengers secured their first victory of the tournament with a 13-run win over Victoria Strikers.
- Kyoga Avengers 129/10 (18.5 overs)
- Victoria Strikers 116/9 (18.5 overs)
Kyoga Avengers won by 13 runs
Kyoga posted 129 all out, with Ismail Munir top-scoring with 34 and Ronald Lutaaya adding a rapid 27. Pius Oloka claimed four wickets for the Strikers, while Christopher Kidega picked up three.
Victoria’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they slipped to 1/3 in the opening over. Perry Wazombe fought back with 59 off 60 balls, but Kyoga’s bowlers maintained control throughout.
Juma Miyaji and Gerald Olipa took two wickets each as Victoria finished on 116/9.
Munir’s all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match award.
After two days of action, Mburo Blasters and Kyoga Avengers sit level on three points, ahead of Bunyonyi Warriors on two points, while Victoria Strikers remain without a win.
The tournament continues on Sunday with Bunyonyi Warriors facing Kyoga Avengers before Victoria Strikers take on the in-form Mburo Blasters.
