MAXX T20 Challenge Cup: Nyiiro headlines as Royals eventually attain third win

• Royals 105/6 in 20 Overs (Jonathan Nyiiro 51, Anas Baig 11; Jordan Okecho 3/18)
• Titans 93/8 in 20 Overs (Simon Oketcho 37, Conrad Lubwama 24; Perry Wazombe 2/14)

Royals won by 12 runs

A half century from Jonathan Nyiiro led the way as Royals finally found their footing on Day 13 of the Batball MAXX T20 Challenge Cup, holding their nerve to claim a hard earned 12 run win over Titans at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe on Friday evening.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Royals were put under immediate pressure on a difficult surface. 

Early wickets disrupted any rhythm, with Cyrus Kakuru and Anas Baig gone inside the powerplay and the middle order unable to settle as Jordan Okecho and the Titans attack kept things tight.

At 41 for five inside nine overs, Royals were in familiar trouble. This time, however, Jonathan Nyiiro stood tall. Showing composure and clarity, he anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 51 balls, shepherding Royals through the rough patches. 

Brief support from Aloysious Odoi and Luhakana Amos helped lift the total to 105 for six, modest, but defendable under the lights.

Titans started the chase brightly before losing Amos Ahura for a duck. Conrad Lubwama and Simon Oketcho steadied things, pushing the score past 50 and tilting the balance briefly in Titans’ favour.

Royals responded with discipline. Perry Wazombe and Ali Balidawa squeezed the scoring, and sharp fielding created pressure. 

The run out of Oketcho in the 15th over proved the turning point, sparking a slide that stalled the chase.

Titans finished on 93 for eight, falling 12 runs short as Royals sealed a victory built on patience, control and resolve, their third of the tournament.

Earlier, leaders Blasters edged Gladiators by three runs in a rain affected top of the table clash, underlining the drama of Day 13 at Lakeside Oval.

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The tournament resumes on Saturday, December 20,(Day 14) with Warriors facing Strikers at 10:00am, followed by Titans taking on table toppers Blasters at 2:00pm.