- Lira Sixers: 134/10 in 32.5 Overs (Igulu Cymprous 47 | 4/20)
- Gulu Blazers: 95/10 in 24.5 Overs (Tumwebaze Marvin 29, Rubagakane Griffin 5/37)
- Lira Sixers won by 39 runs
Cricket made a bold and promising stride into Northern Uganda as the inaugural Northerns Men’s 50 Overs League launched under the bright skies of Gulu, marking a historic moment for the sport in the region.
The opening day featured two fiercely contested matches, but the spotlight fell on the clash between Lira Sixers and Gulu Blazers, where the Sixers clinched a memorable 39-run victory to open their campaign in style.
The match was not just a contest, for decades, Uganda’s cricket heartland has beat strongest in the central belt. But with this league, the North is finally bowling into the frame, with Gulu as its rising hub.
Batting first, Lira Sixers faced early tremors as Gulu’s Obua Daniel (3/25) tore through their top order with a fiery spell. At 12/3, the Sixers looked in deep trouble.
But skipper Igulu Cymprous played a captain’s knock, anchoring the innings with a gritty 47 off 71 balls, supported briefly by Kulbir Singh and tailender Atoo Thomas.
Extras, notably 37 wides and 5 no-balls, boosted the Sixers’ total to 134 all out in 32.5 overs.
Rubangakene Griffin was the pick of the bowlers with a stunning 5/37 while Tumwebaze Marvin added 2/27.
Chasing 135, the Gulu Blazers never settled into a rhythm. Captain Rubangakene Ronald top-scored with 16, but wickets tumbled steadily.
Igulu returned to haunt the Blazers with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 20 runs in 9 overs. He was supported ably by Kapil Raste (3/28) and Addi Patel (2/9), as the Blazers were bundled out for 95 in 24.5 overs.
The Sixers’ spirited bowling and sharp fielding denied any significant partnerships, sealing a deserved victory in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.
In the other fixture of the day, Gulu Gladiators edged past Gulu Titans by 3 wickets in a tight contest. Despite a superb four-wicket haul from Opiyo Tony, the Gladiators held their nerve in the chase to register a win.
