The Uganda Cricket Association’s week-long youth tournament ended with a shocker at Lugogo on Sunday as the spirited Sippi Trekkers toppled the unbeaten Bujjagali Rafters in a gripping final.
Under heavy skies, Rafters captain Judith Nakasaga won the toss and chose to bat—then fell for a duck.
Only Immaculate Nakisuyi offered resistance with 12 runs as the favourites stumbled to 66 for 8 in 20 overs, aided by 15 extras.
The Trekkers cruised to 62 for 1 behind Leila Nalukenge’s steady 19 and Jimia Abdallah Muhammed’s unbeaten 22. But the 17th over turned the match on its head.
Malisa Ariokot produced a devastating burst, taking five wickets in six balls, including a hat-trick, to leave Sippi reeling at 66 for 6.
With the trophy suddenly in doubt, the Trekkers kept their nerve and edged the winning runs for a four-wicket victory.
“This has been a fantastic week of cricket and a milestone for our High Performance program,” said Richard Okia, Uganda Cricket’s head of high performance.
“Senior Victoria Pearls players guided the younger ones, and we’ve seen real growth among emerging talent.”
Tournament standout performers
• Best Bowler: Malisa Ariokot – 14 wickets, best figures 5/12 (Bujjagali Rafters)
• Best Batter: Rita Musamali – 237 runs, top score 64 (Itanda Kayakers)
• Most Valuable Player: Immaculate Nakisuyi – 272 points (Bujjagali Rafters)
In the third-place playoff, Rita Musamali smashed 59 off 35 balls for the Itanda Kayakers, but her side fell 15 runs short despite Naome Mbwali’s composed 34 and another all-round show from Nakisuyi.
