Warriors 130/5 in 20 Overs (Ronald Lutaaya 39, Abdul Basit Habib 19; Perry Wazombe 2/13, Richard Sohera 2/21)- Royals 132/7 in 19.0 Overs (Cyrus Kakuru 38, Richard Sohera 18; Joseph Baguma 5/25)
Royals won by 3 wickets
Royals held their nerve when it mattered, beating Warriors by three wickets in the morning game of Batball MAXX Day 3 at the Lakeside Oval in Entebbe on Monday.
Warriors chose to bat and hoped to post a strong total, but their innings never quite took off. Ronald Lutaaya top-scored with a steady 39 off 40 balls while the rest of the top order struggled for rhythm.
Steven Wabwose (16) and Abdul Basit Habib (19 not out off 15) tried to lift things late on, but Royals kept control with disciplined bowling.
Richard Sohera (2/21) and Perry Wazombe (2/13) led the way, slowing the scoring and picking up important wickets. Warriors finished on 130 for 5 from their 20 overs, a score that always looked short.
Royals’ chase wasn’t smooth either. They lost wickets regularly as Warriors’ Baguma Joseph produced a brilliant spell, claiming 5 for 25 and keeping his side in the contest.
But Cyrus Kakuru steadied Royals with 38 off 25, mixing calm batting with two big sixes that shifted momentum.
Jonathan Nyiiro added 14, and Jonathan Ssebanja’s unbeaten 10 off 5 sealed the win, with Royals reaching 132 for 7 and finishing with an over to spare.
Warriors will look back at the 20 wides they conceded, which proved crucial, while Royals will be pleased with how they stayed composed under pressure.
The tournament continues this afternoon as Gladiators take on Titans, promising more action on the same wicket in Entebbe.
