- Strikers 88/8 in 20 overs (Timothy Kawanguzi 22, Robert Ajuna 17; Rashid Ayub 2/5, Johnson Okabo 2/11, Perry Wazombe 2/11)
- Royals 89/8 in 16.5 overs (Anas Baig 54, Jonathan Ssebanja 17; Rayan Tendo 3/6, Adam Kassim 2/22)
Royals won by 2 wickets
Anas Baig held his nerve when it mattered most, striking a calm, decisive half century to lift the Royals to a hard fought two wicket win over the Strikers in the Batball MAXX T20 Challenge Cup on Sunday morning at the Lakeside Oval, Entebbe.
After choosing to bowl, the Royals kept things tight from the start and never let the Strikers settle, restricting them to 88 for 8 in 20 overs.
Early wickets put the Strikers on the back foot, and although Robert Ajuna and Timothy Kawanguzi tried to rebuild, runs were hard to come by.
Kawanguzi’s 22 was the highest score, but the innings never gained momentum as Ayub Rashid and Okabo Johnson picked up two wickets each.
The chase began nervously. Hamid Munigwa struck with a wicket maiden in the first over, removing Perry Wazombe and leaving the Royals without a run on the board. Any doubts, though, were soon eased by Baig.
Batting with patience and purpose, Baig mixed clean hitting with smart singles to steady the innings.
His 54 run stand with Jonathan Ssebanja turned the game, shifting the pressure firmly onto the Strikers. Both fell in quick succession, but Baig’s work had set the platform.
A late wobble brought brief tension, yet the Royals stayed composed. Okabo Johnson and Kalyowa Samuel saw them through to 89 for 8 in 16.5 overs.
Baig’s 54 off 37 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, earned him Player of the Match and helped lift the Royals off the bottom of the table.
It was a much needed win, built on discipline, patience and just enough composure under pressure.
Play continues later at the Lakeside Oval with Warriors taking on Blasters in the afternoon fixture.
