Olipa Gerald starred with bat and ball as Kyoga Avengers maintained their perfect start to the Great Lakes Men’s T20 tournament with a five-wicket victory over Mburo Blasters at Lugogo Cricket Oval on Monday.
- Mburo Blasters 155/7 in 20 overs
- Kyoga Avengers 159/5 in 16.3 overs
Kyoga Avengers won by 5 wickets
The all-rounder claimed a wicket before smashing 48 off 27 balls to lead another successful Kyoga run chase and keep his side firmly on top of the standings.
Mburo Blasters, sent in to bat first, posted 155/7 in their 20 overs. Charles Musemeza anchored the innings with 54 off 38 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Suleman Sharif added 41 from 30 deliveries.
Brian Asaba chipped in with 19 and Edwin Nuwagaba made 14, but Kyoga’s bowlers ensured the total remained within reach. Richard Agamire picked up two wickets, while Juma Miyaji, Dan Keith Amani and Gerald each claimed one.
Kyoga lost Ronald Lutaaya early in the chase, but Gerald quickly seized control. His aggressive knock, which included seven fours and a six, put Mburo on the back foot and set the platform for victory.
Robert Owili kept the momentum going with 36 off 23 balls before Cyrus Kakuru contributed an unbeaten 28. Captain Juma Miyaji then finished the job in style, blasting 31 from just 15 deliveries, including four fours and two sixes.
Kyoga reached 159/5 with 21 balls remaining to secure their fourth straight win and move to eight points at the top of the table.
Earlier, Victoria Strikers registered their first victory of the tournament with a five-wicket win over Bunyonyi Warriors.
- Bunyonyi Warriors 116/10 in 17.1 overs
- Victoria Strikers 120/5 in 16 overs
Victoria Strikers won by 5 wickets
Bunyonyi were bowled out for 116 in 17.1 overs despite 29 runs apiece from Robinson Obuya and Simon Okecho. Paul Mulongo added 16.
Christopher Kidega and Pius Oloka starred with the ball for Victoria, both taking three wickets. Kidega returned figures of 3/10 while Oloka claimed 3/9.
In reply, captain Kenneth Waiswa anchored the chase with 35 off 35 balls. Kidega added a quick 15 before Oloka capped an impressive all-round performance with an unbeaten 23.
Amos Ahurra struck the winning boundary as Victoria reached 120/5 in 16 overs to claim their first win of the campaign.
Oloka was named Player of the Match for his contributions with both bat and ball.
After four rounds, Kyoga Avengers lead the standings on eight points, followed by Mburo Blasters on four, while Victoria Strikers and Bunyonyi Warriors are tied on two points each.
