- Jinja SSS 29/2 in 19.3 Overs (Nassuna Tahia 13, Tumwebaze RuthMary 4)
- Light SS 30/2 in 11.3 Overs (Misheal Ariago 16, Alio Ritah 6)
- Light SS won by 8 Wickets
Jinja Senior Secondary School entered Friday’s final group stage fixture at the top of Group A, with destiny firmly in their own hands.
Needing only to hold their nerve and secure a win to guarantee a semifinal spot, they instead suffered a dramatic and crushing defeat at the hands of Light Secondary School, a result that sent shockwaves through the tournament and ultimately ended Jinja SSS’s campaign.
The match, played in Gulu saw Jinja SSS collapse to an unthinkable total of just 29 runs in 19.3 overs, a score that starkly reflected a dismal batting display.
Their innings never got off the ground with the top three batters Acheng Elizabeth, Tikabula Rashidah and Nalukenge Leila failing to score a single run between them.
Sofia Bogere and Alio Ritah tore through the batting order with ruthless efficiency, claiming five wickets combined. Tino Sarah added to the carnage with a devastating four-wicket haul, including the final nail that ended Jinja’s innings.
Only Nassuna Tahia, who scored 13 not out, showed any resistance as her teammates fell one after another in quick succession. With the fall of Biribawa Mariam at 29 runs, Jinja SSS’s faint hopes dimmed under the scorching Gulu sun.
Chasing a modest target, Light SS approached their innings with calm determination. Despite a couple of early hiccups, losing opener Susan Akidi and captain Misheal Ariago, they cruised to 30/2 in 11.3 overs.
Alio Ritah’s unbeaten six and a composed finish by Clare Ajego sealed the win, sparking celebrations as Light SS leapt over Jinja to secure a place in the semifinals.
This stunning turnaround was a bitter blow for Jinja SSS who had led Group A heading into the final round of the round-robin format. The format requires each team to play seven matches, with the top two advancing to the semifinals, a reality that made Jinja’s collapse all the more painful.
Meanwhile, over in Group B, Sacred Heart Secondary School advanced to the semifinals despite a heavy nine-wicket defeat to group leaders Olila High School.
Their qualification was already secured and the loss had no impact on their progress.
Therefore, the semifinal stage is set with the following fixtures:
- Masaka SS Vs Olila H/S
- Sacred Heart SS Vs Light SS
