Kutchi Tigers clinched their second consecutive UCA Men’s 50 Over Premiership League trophy after defeating rivals Ceylon Lions by 74 runs win at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe on Sunday August 24.
The highly anticipated clash was effectively a title decider, with Ceylon entering the game just a point behind Kutchi and holding a game in hand.
A win would have seen them leapfrog their rivals and seal the championship before facing JACC in their final fixture.
But Kutchi, playing their last match of the season, knew nothing short of victory would secure back-to-back titles and they delivered.
Ceylon’s fans and players, however, were left fuming after the contentious dismissals of openers Charles Musemeza (1) and Robinson Obuya (6), both given out caught behind despite appearing not to have edged the ball. Their early exit triggered a batting collapse that Ceylon never recovered from.
Earlier, Ceylon’s bowlers had dominated, restricting Kutchi to 162 all out in 42.5 overs. Veteran Frank Nsubuga led the attack with a superb 5-wicket haul, conceding just six extras in a disciplined display.
But Kutchi’s innings was anchored by Anish Chaudrey, whose resilient 84 off 94 balls ultimately proved decisive and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Chasing 163, Ceylon faltered early and frequently. Hasin Ashani’s stunning slip catch removed Hamu Kayondo, while middle-order batters Ronald Omara, Deus Muhumuza, and Juma Miyaji all fell for ducks inside the 13th over.
A brief 33-run partnership between Nsubuga (9) and Ankit Patel (15) raised hopes, but once Nsubuga holed out at long-on, the Lions’ resistance crumbled. They were eventually bowled out in the 27th over.
The defeat mathematically ended Ceylon’s title hopes, leaving them guaranteed to finish second regardless of their final game’s result. Kutchi, meanwhile, finished three points clear at the top, securing the championship.
With the league concluded, Kutchi Tigers once again reign supreme, Ceylon Lions settle for second.National Men’s 50 Over Premiership League trophy after defeating rivals Ceylon Lions by 74 runs win at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe on Sunday August 24.
The highly anticipated clash was effectively a title decider, with Ceylon entering the game just a point behind Kutchi and holding a game in hand.
A win would have seen them leapfrog their rivals and seal the championship before facing JACC in their final fixture.
But Kutchi, playing their last match of the season, knew nothing short of victory would secure back-to-back titles and they delivered.
Ceylon’s fans and players, however, were left fuming after the contentious dismissals of openers Charles Musemeza (1) and Robinson Obuya (6), both given out caught behind despite appearing not to have edged the ball. Their early exit triggered a batting collapse that Ceylon never recovered from.
Earlier, Ceylon’s bowlers had dominated, restricting Kutchi to 162 all out in 42.5 overs. Veteran Frank Nsubuga led the attack with a superb 5-wicket haul, conceding just six extras in a disciplined display.
But Kutchi’s innings was anchored by Anish Chaudrey, whose resilient 84 off 94 balls ultimately proved decisive and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Chasing 163, Ceylon faltered early and frequently. Hasin Ashani’s stunning slip catch removed Hamu Kayondo, while middle-order batters Ronald Omara, Deus Muhumuza, and Juma Miyaji all fell for ducks inside the 13th over.
A brief 33-run partnership between Nsubuga (9) and Ankit Patel (15) raised hopes, but once Nsubuga holed out at long-on, the Lions’ resistance crumbled. They were eventually bowled out in the 27th over.
The defeat mathematically ended Ceylon’s title hopes, leaving them guaranteed to finish second regardless of their final game’s result.
Kutchi, meanwhile, finished three points clear at the top, securing the championship.
With the league concluded, Kutchi Tigers once again reign supreme, Ceylon Lions settle for second.
