Morning
- Bujjagali Rafters 200/7 in 20 overs
- Karuma Rapids 87/2 in 6 overs (Revised target: 87)
Karuma Rapids won by 8 wickets (D/L Method)
Afternoon
- Karuma Rapids 155/8 in 20 overs
- Itanda Kayakers 156/6 in 17.3 overs
Itanda Kayakers won by 4 wickets
All three teams are level, and with just one matchday left before Saturday’s final on February 5, the Waterfalls Men’s T20 Elite tournament could not be more finely poised.
After four games apiece, Bujjagali Rafters, Karuma Rapids and Itanda Kayakers are tied on four points at the Lugogo Cricket Oval.
Two wins and two losses each including defeats to one another have kept the title race wide open, with net run rate now looming as the likely decider.
Thursday’s third matchday captured the spirit of the tournament rain delays, shifting momentum and tense finishes.
The day began with Karuma Rapids edging Bujjagali Rafters in a rain shortened thriller. Sent in to bat, the Rafters posted a strong 200 for 7, inspired by Fahad Mutagana’s explosive 86 off 44 balls, featuring seven fours and six sixes.
Robinson Obuya added a steady 39, Gerald Olipa chipped in with a brisk 35 off 14, and late contributions from Robert Ajuna and Fred Achelam boosted the total.
Rapids kept themselves in the contest with disciplined bowling. Cosmas Kyewuta led the attack with 3 for 21, supported by Henry Ssenyondo and Jordan Okecho through the middle overs.
When rain reduced the chase to 87 in seven overs under the Duckworth–Lewis method, Rapids struck decisively.
Kyewuta capped a fine all-round display with an unbeaten 31 off eight balls, smashing four sixes as Rapids reached 87 for 2 in six overs.
In the afternoon, Itanda Kayakers responded with a show of composure to hand Rapids a defeat.
Chasing 156, the Kayakers lost three early wickets but regrouped through Steve Wabwose’s calm 46. Captain Christopher Kidega added a crucial 35 before Pius Oloka’s unbeaten 25 finished the job, sealing a four wicket win with 2.3 overs to spare.
Earlier, Rapids had built their total around Charles Musemeza’s 44 and Ismail Munir’s 36, but it proved insufficient against Kayakers’ measured chase.
By stumps, the standings told a story of perfect balance. No team has been able to break clear, every surge met with a response.
Bujjagali Rafters now face a demanding double-header, taking on Itanda Kayakers in the morning before meeting Karuma Rapids later in the day.
The numbers underline the quality on show. Rafters own the highest team score with 243 for 6, Gerald Olipa leads the run charts with 174, and Henry Ssenyondo tops the wicket tally with seven.
With the top two sides after Match day 4 are set to meet in the final.
